Yesterday, House Republicans revealed a new tax plan that will condense the number of individual tax brackets, enhance the standard deduction while eliminating many smaller ones, and lower the corporate tax rate.

Among Washington State leaders, reactions to the proposed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act have been strong, and largely divided along party lines.

Governor Jay Inslee (D):

“The Republican tax plan is yet another giveaway to the wealthiest taxpayers paid for by the middle class. The proposal to eliminate the state and local sales tax deduction would impact more than 800,000 hard-working Washingtonians who use this deduction to reduce their federal tax bill. This proposal would increase their federal taxes by hundreds of dollars per year, on average, and it would pressure our state and local governments to slash important services that our communities rely upon, like education, health care, and public safety. I am also very concerned about the proposed repeal of tax deductions for health care expenses, student loan interest, and other current federal tax benefits that support the middle class and our state’s economy.

“We should all be frustrated that, much like they tried and failed to do in their efforts to repeal health care, Republican leaders plan to jam this bill through Congress without any public input that is essential to shaping thoughtful public policy. Congress should reject this proposal and instead join Arizona Senator John McCain in calling for any approach to tax reform to be bipartisan, and to follow regular order.”

U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert (R):

“It’s time to get our economy booming again,” said Rep. Reichert. “Families across Washington and Americans around the country want more money in their pockets, higher wages, and to have the confidence they can save for their future. Today, after years of fighting to give American families a better deal, we have released a tax plan that puts American workers and families first, supports our job-creators, and strengthens America’s competitiveness across the globe.”

“Freedom is the American way, but the current tax code is holding us back threatening our livelihood and our future. We must rework our tax code so it is working for the American people, not the other way around. Our bold, job-creating tax plan will free Americans to focus on the things in life that matter and position American businesses to expand, compete, and hire more American workers here at home. This is our chance – there is too much at stake to let this once in a generation opportunity slip away.”

Senator Patty Murray (D):

“I can’t say I’m surprised, but I am disappointed that Republicans are moving forward with their partisan plan to raise taxes on workers and middle class families in Washington State in order to give a massive tax cut to the wealthiest Americans, biggest corporations, President Trump, his family, and the vast majority of his cabinet. I am hopeful that enough Republicans will stand with us and with the middle class to reject this plan, and that we can get to work on a bipartisan approach to cutting taxes for the middle class and growing the economy from the middle out, not the top down.

“If anyone was still under any illusions that Republicans were concerned about the deficit or debt, that should end today. This massive tax cut for the rich would add trillions of dollars to the national debt, allowing Republicans to the come after Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and other middle class priorities. This is absolutely wrong, and people across the country are going to fight back.”

U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R):

“We have a historic opportunity to improve people’s lives and make our economy boom. This is must-pass legislation for Republicans,” said McMorris Rodgers. “We are lifting the tax burden off hardworking Americans and their families. Our plan will put more money in people’s pockets, reward and restore the dignity of hard work, and encourage innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

“Our tax reform plan is written with working families in mind. Our plan means more jobs, fairer taxes, and bigger paychecks, and that starts with helping those who are working hard but not getting ahead. American families deserve a tax code that doesn’t stand in the way of success. We want everyone to have the opportunity to realize their full potential and pursue their version of the American dream, and that begins with reforming the broken tax code.

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