Three Of The Region's Four Congress Members Vote For Final GOP Tax Overhaul Bill

SYRACUSE (WRVO) - The House of Representatives passed sweeping legislation aimed at rewriting the nation's tax code Tuesday, by a vote of 227-203. 12 Republicans voted against the bill, five of them are from New York.

North Country Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-Wilsboro), in a statement Monday, said that she could not support the bill because it "does not adequately protect the State and Local Tax deduction that so many in our district and across New York rely on. Due to Albany's failed leadership and inability to rein in spending, New York is one of the highest taxed states in the country, and families here rely on this important deduction to make ends meet. Failure to maintain SALT could lead to more families leaving our region."

The final version of the bill would allow taxpayers to deduct property, income or sales taxes, or a combination of property and sales or property and income taxes, up to $10,000.

Reps. J0hn Katko (R-Camillus), Claudia Tenney (R-New Hartford) and Tom Reed (R-Corning) all voted in favor of the bill. In statement after the vote, Katko called it a win for central New York.
Despite the heated rhetoric surrounding passage of this legislation, the fact is that the status quo is simply not working for Central New York.  Passage of this bill gives us a rare opportunity to level the playing field and put American workers first.  I have always fought in the best interest of my constituents.  I soundly believe this bill will deliver tax relief for Central New York families and allow local businesses to invest in our workforce.  With the passage of this bill today, I’m excited to see our local economy grow and thrive.
Tenney, in a statement, blamed Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Democrats in the State Assembly for New York's high taxes.
The SALT deduction is so important because it shields New Yorkers from the oppressive burden Albany places on our taxpayers. Governor Cuomo and Albany politicians have zero respect for the taxpayers. The Governor and liberals in the Assembly continue to increase our already bloated budget, causing taxes to skyrocket year after year for hardworking New Yorkers. This bill will provide relief on the federal level while finally taking a step to encourage fiscal responsibility from Albany.
In response to the House vote, Cuomo said Republicans "have committed fraud against the American people."

The Senate is expected to vote on the bill Tuesday, where it's expected to pass. The House will need to vote again on the bill Wednesday after three provisions violated parliamentary rules in the Senate.