FILE - In this Jan. 16, 2018, file photo, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy speaks before signing the first executive order of his administration in Trenton, N.J. Democratic officials in some high-tax states are pushing legislation that would retain a federal tax break for state and local taxes, a deduction that was capped in the recent GOP tax overhaul. Murphyâs office describes the push for a work-around to the new cap on local taxes as a matter of fairness, especially if many of the federal tax breaks expire as scheduled in 2027. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)
The Associated Press
CHERRY HILL, N.J. (AP) - Resistance to the Republican tax overhaul comes with an ideological twist for some Democratic state officials.
The have styled themselves as champions of the working class, but are pushing hard for measures that would reduce taxes mostly for the wealthy.
The state senates in California and New Jersey have passed bills that would allow residents to make charitable contributions instead of paying some state and local taxes.
The idea is that they could get a federal tax deduction for the contributions. That would partially replace deductions they're losing under the new federal tax law.
The policy mostly helps top earners. Versions of it have passed or are under consideration in Connecticut, Maryland, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and the District of Columbia.
FILE - In this Feb. 24, 2018, file photo, U.S. Senate candidate, Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, D- Los Angeles, speaks at the 2018 California Democrats State Convention in San Diego. Democratic officials in some high-tax states are pushing legislation that would retain a federal tax break for state and local taxes, a deduction that was capped in the recent GOP tax overhaul. De Leon said the state budget would take a big hit if wealthier residents flee California because they pay the bulk of the taxes. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy, File)
The Associated Press