Even Democrats Are Pushing Back on Joe Biden’s Middle Class Tax Hikes

According to a new report from Axios, several moderate Democrats are voicing opposition to President Joe Biden’s tax hikes that would be the “largest federal tax increase since 1942.”

This could pose a significant challenge for the Biden administration, as they will need to raise taxes to fund a $3 trillion infrastructure package. It would also break a promise Biden made throughout his presidential campaign to not raise taxes on middle class Americans.

Democrat Representative Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) said he’s worried about the negative impacts major tax increases could have on his state as many Americans are still recovering from the coronavirus. He also issued a warning about jamming a bill of this size through Congress without consensus on both sides of the aisle.

“‘We need to be careful not to do anything that’s too big or too much in the middle of a pandemic and an economic crisis,’ he said.

“While he wants to see the overall package before commenting on specific tax rates, he said, ‘It’s got to be responsible and both parties need to be at the table. This can’t just be jammed through without input and consideration from the other side.’” – Axios

Gottheimer, along with Democrat Representative Tom Suozzi (NY-03), told Axios they won’t even consider President Biden’s tax proposals unless he reinstates the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction.

“‘Simply put,’ Gottheimer said, ‘no SALT, no dice.’

“Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) also told Axios: ‘I’m not voting for any changes in the tax code unless we reinstate SALT as part of the deal.’” – Axios

Another House Democrat, Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52), said he was uncomfortable with President Biden’s 28-percent tax rate for companies. 

“‘I think that 25% is fine,’ Peters said. ‘It doesn’t disadvantage our companies, and in turn our employees, workers…I think 25% is the right spot.’” – Axios

Bottom line: Even members of Joe Biden’s own party recognize the danger of hiking taxes on the middle class just as Americans begin to recover from the coronavirus pandemic.