Dear John,
From blocking student loan debt relief, weakening protections for LGBTQIA+ people, and of course decimating the constitutional right to abortion, Supreme Court cases have considerable effect on the lives of everyday people. Earlier this week, the Supreme Court heard a tax case that could potentially devastate women’s economic security, and few news outlets are explaining why. We want you to know the stakes for women, no matter the news cycle. Here’s what you need to know:
* The case: Moore v. United States is a case being brought by Charles and Kathleen Moore, who are challenging the constitutionality of a one-time tax that they had to pay on the profits of their investments in a foreign company. The couple is arguing that this tax is unconstitutional under the 16th Amendment—because they contend that their share of the profits doesn’t fall within the legal definition of income.
* The consequences: If the Moores win, it could call into question not just the specific tax they paid, but also other, longstanding provisions of the tax code. This could lead to the loss of billions or even trillions in federal revenue, dramatically limiting the government’s ability to fund critical priorities that women and families rely on.
* But wait there's more: Charles and Kathleen, and the deep pockets supporting them, have gone even further by asking the Supreme Court to look beyond this specific tax and rule on whether future legislative efforts to tax billionaires’ wealth are unconstitutional. A Supreme Court ruling that sows doubt about tax laws that haven’t even been enacted yet would be an immense overreach. Congress has the power to shape the tax code to reflect economic realities and our values as a nation. If the Justices take up the invitation to block future taxes on billionaires, Congress’s ability to raise tax dollars to make investments like child care, aging and disability care, and paid leave, could be undermined.

A fairer tax code is essential to investing in women and families, improving people’s lives and making the economy work for all of us. We need more tax dollars to invest, not less. NWLC is advocating for a more equitable tax system that ensures women and families don’t get shortchanged while billionaires continue to profit. We’ll keep you updated on whatever happens next in this case and until then, share our tool with your friends and family so everyone knows just how much can be accomplished if we tax the patriarchy [[link removed]] .

In solidarity,
Amy Royce
she/her/hers
Senior Counsel, Income Security and Child Care
National Women's Law Center
P.S. Interested in learning more about this case? Check out our new op-ed published in Ms. Magazine: The $15,000 Tax Case that Could Cost Women Billions [[link removed]]
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