March 28, 2025 Editor, The News-Gazette: One of the skills of a successful politician is the ability to cloak an issue in gauzy buzz words which seem to address the issue while ignoring the facts. Here’s what our representative Ben Cline has to say about the proposed extension of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA): “The TCJA has been a game changer for small business and hardworking families, spurring economic growth, creating jobs, and allowing folks to keep more of their hard earned money instead of sending it to Washington.”
But what are the facts: Extending the 2017 tax cut gives most of its benefits to the wealthy because it is heavily skewed to households with high incomes. Those of us who earn under $100,000 a year got a $400 tax cut. Those who make more than $740,000 received cuts averaging $61,000 a year. It has failed to deliver the economic gains to working families that its backers, including Mr. Cline, promised.
Since 2017 the top 1% in our country now own more wealth than the bottom 99% and corporate CEO’s now make 300 times more than their average worker. These numbers have gotten worse since 2017 when the TCJA was passed.
Instead of extending costly tax breaks for the wealthy, Congress should create a more equitable tax system that requires wealthy households to pay their fair share. Instead we are laying off federal employees who provide valuable services, including firing 50,000 employees from the Veterans Administration which provides health care for millions of veterans. Social Security is cutting 7,000 jobs, closing dozens of regional offices and reducing online and phone services.
Similar cuts throughout the government will adversely affect individuals and families in the 6th District.
Delegate Cline, it’s time to stop mouthing platitudes and start truly representing the hardworking people of your district.
BILL BLATTER Rockbridge County
