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Rep. Torres Votes to Restore Tax Fairness for Working Families

December 19, 2019

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) today voted to pass the Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act (H.R. 5377), which protects low- to middle-income households from a variety of harmful provisions in a 2017 tax cut for corporations and wealthy individuals.

Specifically, the legislation:

  • Prevents double taxation on working individuals and families by removing the $10,000 cap placed on state and local tax (SALT) deductions in 2017 (the average SALT deduction prior to the cap was $12,500, meaning $2,500 was double taxed as a result of the 2017 tax break);
  • Raises the SALT cap up to $20,000 for 2019 for married couples who file jointly, and completely repeals the cap for 2020 and 2021 for incomes under $100 million;
  • Restores the top individual income tax rate – which was dropped to 37 percent in 2017 – back to its original 39.6 percent.

Congresswoman Torres released the following statement:

"The bill we passed today restores fairness for hardworking people who have literally been double-taxed to pay for a Republican giveaway to the rich," Rep. Torres said. "The people I represent work hard for their income – I refuse to accept a scheme that preys upon them just to deliver more money to those who already have plenty."

The Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act also includes provisions to help teachers and first responders cover expenses associated with their jobs. These include out-of-pocket school supply purchases for educators, and training, professional development and uniform expenses for first responders.

"As a former 9-1-1 dispatcher, I know firsthand that public service careers come with expenses attached," Rep. Torres continued. "Whether it's a paramedic receiving a certification that will help save lives, or a school teacher buying markers to help students learn, these are expenses the federal government can and should help address."

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