Georgia Democratic Senate hopeful Jon Ossoff came out in support
for Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D., Calif.) $3 trillion HEROES Act,
which is opposed by many in Pelosi’s own caucus due to included tax
changes that only benefit residents of high-tax states like New
York and California.
Ossoff said at an online town hall Sunday that Senate
Republicans should take up Pelosi’s legislation immediately, but 14
House Democrats in vulnerable districts opposed the bill that
passed on May 15.
The HEROES Act contains a number of Democratic pet proposals,
including a two-year removal of the cap on state and local income
tax (SALT) deductions at $10,000. That would chiefly benefit
wealthy residents in high-tax states such as California and New
York, whose residents have provided Ossoff with the vast
majority of his out-of-state donations. The nonpartisan
Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimated
a two-year SALT cap repeal would give $100,000 to households making
more than $1 million a year and almost nothing to those making less
than $50,000 a year.
Sen. David Perdue (R., Ga.), Ossoff’s opponent, voted for the
2017 Republican tax reform that capped SALT deductions at $10,000,
saying it leveled the federal tax playing field for voters in
states such as Georgia.
While Pelosi’s bill passed the Democrat-controlled House,
several House Democrats voted against it, including top GOP targets
Abby Finkenauer (Iowa), Ben McAdams (Utah), Abigail Spanberger
(Va.), and Kendra Horn (Okla.).Iowa’s four Democratic Senate
hopefuls, including eventual nominee Theresa Greenfield,
also all
opposed the HEROES Act when asked about it in May. Rep. Hank
Johnson (D., Ga.), Ossoff’s former boss, voted for it.
Ossoff’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment.
The HEROES Act also contains measures such as unemployment
payments for illegal immigrants and $25 billion to the U.S. Postal
Service. Pelosi has argued the extent of the pandemic demands
sweeping legislation.
The two sides on Capitol Hill remain far apart on the next round
of coronavirus relief. Senate Republicans have proposed a $1
trillion relief bill, while Pelosi has said she would not go below
$2 trillion.
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Ossoff Touts Pelosi’s Coronavirus Bill, Which Benefits Wealthy in
Blue States appeared first on Washington Free Beacon.
