Ending deduction is a bad deal

It's no secret that the Republican tax plan will cost $1.5 trillion and is heavily tilted in favor of the very wealthy and corporations. But what's less known is Congressional Republicans kept the plan from being even more costly by dramatically reducing or repealing the federal deduction for state and local taxes (SALT) - which would raise taxes for 47 million Americans, including families like mine, and pave the way for drastic cuts to programs that benefit low- and middle-income families in the 6th Congressional District.

When I do my taxes every year, SALT allows me to itemize deductions for state and local property, income and sales taxes that I've paid, reducing the amount I pay in federal taxes. I wouldn't mind paying a little more to fund programs that benefit my community or our state. But Republicans in Congress want to eliminate this deduction to help pay for big tax giveaways to the people who need them least, not to raise revenue for families who need a leg up.

As governors from across the political spectrum have warned, without SALT, state and local governments will face added pressure to cut taxes - squeezing budgets even more and forcing cuts to education, health care and infrastructure. Our economy would likely struggle, too. Without investments in these key programs, it will become more difficult for residents to find jobs and get the medical care they need.

Eliminating or decreasing SALT deductions ultimately will tilt the tables even more in favor of the wealthy and widen economic inequality. To me, that doesn't seem like a good deal for families.

Elizabeth Hooper

Glen Ellyn