UNDATED (WSAU) — Wisconsin third district Representative Ron Kind made it clear he was a “NO” in Tuesday’s vote on the GOP tax reform package.
“There is no question that our current tax code is in need of reform. This Tax Bill, however, isn’t the kind of reform Wisconsinites need. Instead of simplifying our tax code and helping hardworking Wisconsinites this bill borrows $2 trillion from China to give tax cuts to the very wealthy and multinational corporations. This new debt will jeopardize the security of Medicare and Social Security in the future,” said Rep. Kind.
He added that it’s unfortunate that an important bill like this one was crafted behind closed doors without any input from residents.
Shortly after the vote House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) called the bill a win for the people, saying he feels it is going to be very popular and will amount to Americans keeping more of their money.
Under the bill, the US tax code would remain at seven brackets. Those filing single would have between ten and 37 percent of their income taxed based on their earnings, with those earning between $9,525 and $157,500 seeing a tax break of between 2 and 4 percent. Those filing joint or married would see a similar cut for income between $19,050 and $315,000. Those in the highest tax brackets would actually see a slight uptick in their taxes. The bill also nearly doubles the standard deduction.
Tuesday’s House vote was 227-203. Vice President Mike Pence will sit in on Tuesday’s Senate vote in case his vote is needed to break a tie. From there the bill will go back to the House on Wednesday due to differences between the Senate and House versions before heading to President Trump’s desk.
