Rep. Mike Lawler has voiced strong opposition to the proposed increase in the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap, arguing that New Yorkers are being unfairly burdened by what he describes as a form of double taxation.
The SALT deduction, which allows taxpayers to deduct state and local taxes from their federal taxable income, was capped at $10,000 in the 2017 tax reform. Lawler says this cap disproportionately affects residents of high-tax states like New York, where property taxes and state income taxes are considerably higher than the national average.
“New Yorkers shouldn’t be unfairly penalized with double taxation,” Lawler stated, emphasizing that the current limit on deductions forces many families to pay more than their fair share. He views the cap as an arbitrary measure that reverses decades of established tax policy.
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Lawler warns that without action to raise or remove the cap, middle-class New Yorkers will continue to face mounting financial pressure. He stresses that the issue is about fairness and ensuring that families aren’t unfairly targeted due to the state they live in.
The congressman also points out that New York is a net contributor to the federal government, meaning the state sends more tax dollars to Washington than it receives in federal funding. This dynamic, combined with the SALT cap, he argues, creates an inequitable tax burden for residents.
While some critics worry that raising the SALT deduction could benefit wealthy taxpayers in high-tax states, Lawler insists that relief for middle-class families is crucial. He maintains that addressing this issue is not just about politics, but about protecting the financial well-being of his constituents.
As the debate over the SALT deduction continues, Rep. Lawler remains committed to advocating for policies that he believes will provide relief to New Yorkers and prevent what he calls an unjust tax penalty.
