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copyright The Houston Cronicle. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Na…
copyright The Houston Cronicle. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; National Archives Records Administration
"Power to Cut Taxes" Cartoon
copyright The Houston Cronicle. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; National Archives Records Administration

"Power to Cut Taxes" Cartoon

Artifact IDMO 2024.1.38.21
Object Type Editorial Cartoon
Date 1962
Artist (Cartoonist for the Houston Chronicle, American, 1899-1977)
Publisher (American Newspaper)
Medium ink, graphite on paper
DimensionsOverall H 16 1/4 in x W 14 in (41.3 cm x 35.6 cm )

Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. John F. Kennedy plays tug a war with Congress over an axe labeled "Power to Cut Taxes" while John Q. Pulic stands in the background with a question mark above his head.
Historical NotePresident John F. Kennedy proposed in 1963 to cut income taxes from a range of 20-91% to 14-65% He also proposed a cut in the corporate tax rate from 52% to 47%.
The battle over the tax cut and the deficit continued unabated through 1963. The House Ways and Means Committee voted a tax bill out of committee in August and the grateful president reiterated that lowering taxes was the surest path to full employment and lower deficits. Polls showed that over 60% of Americans favored the tax cuts. But, even with the public support of key business leaders like Henry Ford II and David Rockefeller, the Congressional log jam remained unbroken.

Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift from the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - FullyUse Restriction Note© The Houston Cronicle Use of this image is restricted. Copyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will notinfringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply.It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
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