Editor note: Last month, Law Enforcement Today launched a massive new law enforcement hiring initiative with Red Balloon to help hire 100,000 new officers. Let’s be VERY clear – this legislation will be monumental in restoring law and order across America by putting more money in the pockets of those who serve and protect. And it will NOT be at the expense of local cities and towns. We are HUGE supporters of President Trump’s proposal and will be bringing you a series of videos soon showing why it’s so important – stay tuned.
You can check out that new talent database and hiring platform here.
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WASHINGTON, DC—President Donald Trump is proposing a spending bill that could bring generational change to the American people. In addition to making his previous tax cuts permanent and expanding on them, the bill would lead to savings of about 15% for Americans earning between $30,000 and $80,000, according to a release from the White House.
One feature of the bill is a proposal to eliminate taxes on tips and overtime, both issues that President Trump promised to have Congress pass. The “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” would also provide “historic tax relief to Social Security recipients.”
As a law enforcement publication, Law Enforcement Today is, of course, looking out for our brothers and sisters who serve as police officers, firefighters, correctional officers, and others in public service. One proposal that has seemingly flown under the radar is the president’s promise not to tax overtime. Law Enforcement Today stands squarely behind this proposal and thanks President Trump for proposing it.
Brandon Tatum, a conservative podcaster and former police officer, says eliminating taxes on overtime would be a “game-changer” for police officers.
“Police officers have to work overtime almost every single shift, most police departments; especially if you’re working the night shift, you’re working in a high crime area, it’s more than likely you’re going to have to work overtime,” Tatum said in a post on X. More than likely, you’re going to have to stay after your shift. But here’s an opportunity for police officers to actually get a pay raise. You’re going to add more money into law enforcement officers’ pockets by not having them pay taxes on that money. And you’re not adding any extra debt to the city’s budget.”
He continued, “It is brilliant. And what does that do? It gives the police officers that work every single day putting their lives on the line great morale. And it also helps with retention on the police department. So therefore, people coming in at entry level can make a reasonable living. And what does that mean? More qualified police officers are going to want to join the police department on every level.”
Tatum said no tax on tips will give officers “an adequate amount of pay for the acts that they’re doing” and “for the sacrifice that they’re making.”
No tax on tips would truly be a morale builder for police officers, who, over the past several years, have especially seen themselves excoriated, harassed, assaulted, and even arrested for simply doing their jobs. Providing an incentive to officers without breaking municipal budgets is a no-brainer.
Law Enforcement Today contacted Mathew Silverman, National President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), who said he “applauds President Trump’s proposal to eliminate taxes on overtime pay,” and said the following in a statement.
“Thousands of law enforcement officers across the country regularly sacrifice personal time–working beyond scheduled shifts, on holidays, and during critical family milestones like birthdays and anniversaries. Removing taxes on overtime would significantly increase their take-home pay and serve as meaningful recognition of their tireless dedication to keeping our communities and country safe.
“In addition, any legislation on this matter should ensure that federal law enforcement officers receiving Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) are not taxed on the 25% additional compensation tied to their availability. Unlike their state and local counterparts, federal officers are routinely required to work extra hours without direct compensation, due to an antiquated pay system that hasn’t been updated in over a decade.”
According to the General Accounting Office, LEAP pay is a premium pay system for federal law enforcement officers. It ensures their availability for unscheduled duty hours in excess of a 40-hour workweek based on the needs of the employing agency. The pay is a fixed rate of 25% of the employee’s basic pay.
Silverman also asked for the federal pay cap to be revisited.
“The federal pay cap must also be revisited. Current limitations hinder the government’s ability to fairly compensate its officers and negatively impact recruitment and retention of the most highly qualified professionals in the world. These reforms are long overdue and necessary to ensure our federal law enforcement community receives the support and respect it deserves.”
The proposed spending bill hit a snag Friday when five House Republicans joined Democrats in voting against it. The far-right lawmakers want steeper cuts to Medicaid and Biden-era green energy tax breaks, among other changes.
Speaker Mike Johnson planned to have the package approved before the Memorial Day Weekend recess, however, that plan is up in the air. The Budget Committee will give it another go on Sunday and hope President Trump can twist some arms when he returns from the Middle East.
