Tom MacArthur (R, NJ-03) stands alone, Save Jerseyans.
On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed its historic tax reform package – “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” – 227 to 205.
Representatives Frank LoBiondo (R. NJ-2), Chris Smith (R, NJ-04), Leonard Lance (R, NJ-07) and Rodney Frelinghuysen (R, NJ-11) all voted against the measure.
“I believe tax reform should benefit all Americans and not pick winner states over loser states. Yet the House-passed proposal would negatively affect too many hard-working constituents and small businesses in my congressional district and many other parts of New Jersey,” said Lance in a statement. “That’s why leading business groups and elected officials across the Garden State oppose this tax reform as currently drafted. We need tax reform that is fair for all Americans — including the taxpayers of New Jersey — and I will continue to work toward that goal.”
MacArthur, a staunch proponent of the legislation, has defended the tax cut package on both national television and, most recently, in a town hall-style district meeting with Ivanka Trump.
“Our tax code hasn’t been updated in 31 years—it’s outdated, over-complicated and needs to change. It burdens working Americans with sky-high rates and is filled with special loopholes that benefit the favored few. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act puts an end to this. It provides real relief for families and businesses—by simplifying the tax code, reducing rates, doubling the standard deduction, providing tax credits for childcare and care of adult dependents, and eliminating the AMT that has trapped working families,” MacArthur explained in his own statement…
“I came to Washington, D.C. to get things done and work to improve the lives of my constituents, not walk away from tough fights. Months ago, some in my own party wanted to eliminate the state and local tax deduction, which would have had a devastating impact on the overburdened taxpayers in New Jersey. After months of negotiations with The White House and House Leadership, I was able to successfully restore the property tax deduction, which will benefit all South Jersey property owners.”
“In the end, we built consensus, got results, and working families will reap the benefits, while enjoying significant rate cuts on their income taxes.”
Thirteen (13) House members voted NAY, and of those nine were from either New York and New Jersey.
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