The Debate Over Taxing Health Benefits

As Greg Mankiw points out, taxing health benefits is supported by William Gale and by Jeffrey Frankel, two economists more likely to be found in a Democratic than a Republican administration.  They in turn cite Jason Furman, who is also more likely to be found in a Democratic administration.

On the other hand, James Klein and John Sweeney are against taxing health benefits.  Klein is a lobbyist for health benefits providers and Sweeney is head of the AFL-CIO.  My guess is that Klein and Sweeney can deliver a lot more votes than Gale and Frankel.