Washington, DC

(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Bowser released the following statement on the passage of tax reform legislation:

“Millions of Americans were relying on Congress to create and pass tax reform that helps working and middle class Americans, but instead, we have this legislation that cuts taxes for the wealthy and large corporations while raising taxes on the middle class. The members of Congress who voted to approve this bill have made it clear that they care more about helping the rich get richer and large corporations sustain record profits than helping hardworking Americans and their families succeed. The legislation was drafted without hearings, adequate input from city and county leaders, and rushed through both chambers of Congress – all while we continue to wait for the Children’s Health Insurance Program to get funded.

“In Washington, DC, we believe that when people work hard and play by the rules, they deserve a fair shot at pathways to the middle class. We believe in making prosperity more inclusive and understand that we can’t move our city or our country forward by giving a leg up to those who have already made it while neglecting those who are still trying to make it.

“Despite District residents not having a vote in Congress, this legislation will have lasting impacts on Washingtonians. By limiting State and Local Tax Deductions on property and income taxes to $10,000, it will hurt homeowners. Furthermore, the repeal of the Affordable Care Act Individual Mandate will lead to an increase in premiums and loss of coverage for millions of Americans. In the coming weeks, we will reconvene the Healthcare Benefit Exchange Affordable Care Act Working Group, made up of DC stakeholders and nationally-renowned local health policy experts, to formulate recommendations for our city and ensure that Washingtonians continue to have access to affordable, high-quality health care.”