With the stock market reeling, supply chains disrupted, and consumers engaging in “social distancing” because of the coronavirus outbreak, the economy will slow significantly in the coming months.

Of course, stopping the spread of the virus is the key to turning the economic corner. But no one knows for sure when that will happen. In the meantime, Washington must support consumers and businesses, especially smaller businesses, by lowering one of the most oppressive of all federal taxes — the payroll tax.