Rep. Cuellar Statement Opposing House Tax Bill

Our middle class families and small businesses need a tax plan that simplifies the tax code and encourages entrepreneurship so that we can grow the economy" Congressman Cuellar said. As a Blue Dog I hoped that new tax reform would incorporate these elements. Instead it eliminates critically important deductions like the one for teachers who purchase supplies for their classrooms and the sales tax deduction. Additionally the proposal would increase the deficit by $1.4 trillion and the debt by $2 trillion increase the tax burden on graduate students and cap property tax deductions for taxpayers in my district at $10000. Because of its shortfalls even the Senate Finance Committee recently rejected the House Republican proposal unanimously by a vote of 26 to 0.  As a former small business owner and the representative for a growing middle class and thriving business sector in South Texas I understand and share the concerns of my district to simplify and reform our nations tax system. Meaningful tax reform is one of my top priorities and I am confident that we can accomplish that goal soon in a fiscally responsible way that helps middle class families helps small businesses start up and grow and encourages job growth at larger companies without raising the deficit and our national debt. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress on a more balanced bipartisan tax reform plan. This is not the final vote. In the final version I hope the bill will incorporate measures that help middle class families and small businesses so I can vote yes."