Economists, lawmakers say there are better alternatives to the president’s preferred policy for providing coronavirus relief to employers and workers

WASHINGTONPresident Trumps monthslong insistence on a payroll-tax cut continues to shape discussions over the next round of economic relief despite a lukewarm reception from economists and lawmakers in both parties.
Mr. Trumps basic argumentlower payroll taxes reduce hiring costs and put money in workers pocketsis correct, economists say. But they add that there are more efficient ways to accomplish the same goals and warn that the coronavirus pandemic, not tax policy, is the main barrier to hiring and growth.
…