Urges Congress and President to reallocate certain funds from "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" to increase active military basic pay.
Impact
The resolution articulates growing concerns regarding the financial difficulties faced by military personnel, highlighting that basic pay for many active-duty members falls below a livable wage. It connects issues of military retention and recruitment to financial compensation, indicating that higher pay could improve these metrics and ensure that the Armed Forces can fulfill their defense obligations. Through this resolution, it is expected that the state of New Jersey, which hosts several military bases, will advocate for the well-being of its service members to Congress, thereby aligning state interests with national defense priorities.
Summary
Assembly Resolution No. 173 urges the United States Congress and the President to reallocate funds from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to the Department of Defense (DoD) with the aim of increasing the basic pay of active military personnel. Specifically, it supports the enactment of the 'Prioritizing Troops Over Tax Collectors Act of 2023,' which proposes to raise military service members' pay to a minimum of $31,200 per year, equivalent to a $15 hourly wage. The resolution emphasizes the importance of financial stability for military personnel and their families, given that many currently face economic hardships, with approximately 23,000 active duty members relying on food stamps and other assistance programs.
Contention
There may be notable contention regarding the reallocation of the funds initially designated for the IRS, especially as it raises questions about the prioritization of military funding over domestic programs like tax services. Opponents may argue about the implications of diverting significant resources from the IRS, which could impact tax collection and enforcement activities. While supporters view increased military pay as a critical need for the welfare of active-duty personnel, detractors may perceive it as a misallocation of funds, drawing a line between military and social welfare funding that could lead to broader discussions about budgetary priorities.
Prioritizing Troops Over Tax Collectors Act of 2023 This bill establishes the rate of basic pay for a member of the uniformed services at the minimum amount of $31,200. It transfers unobligated amounts made available to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 for enforcement activities to pay for the increase in basic pay. The bill also prohibits the IRS from hiring additional employees until the increase in the rate of basic pay is implemented.