Hold the salt: Rockland Congressman introduces bill to raise federal tax cap

Congressman Lawler (NY-17)  is working to reverse  a recent change in federal policy  that has left many New Yorkers with a much higher tax bill. On Monday, Lawler took the first steps  toward realizing his  campaign promise to dismantle the S.A.L.T. cap put in place by former president Trump, which limits the amount of state taxes that a U.S. citizen can deduct from their federal taxes. In a state such as New York, which carries some of the highest tax rates in the U.S., the $ 10,000 cap on state tax reductions has presented a finical burden to many families . 

Standing outside Clarkstown Town Hall and flanked by County Executive Ed Day, Clarkstown Town Supervisor George Hoehmann, Ramapo Supervisor Michael Specht, Orangetown Supervisor Teresa Kenny, and Stony Point Supervisor Jim Monaghan, Lawler announced his introduction  of a new bill intended to ease the tax burden facing families in states with higher tax rates, the “SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination Act.”

“Hudson Valley families suffer under some of the highest taxes in the nation,” said Rep. Lawler. “The misguided SALT tax cap has only added to their pain in recent years. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination Act; this bill will double the cap for married couples filing jointly to $20,000,” continued Rep. Lawler. “It’s the first in a series of bills, which I’m calling the Hudson Valley Affordability Pact, that will tackle cost-of-living and affordability issues in the 17th Congressional District and beyond.

“The SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination Act, combined with the Anti-Congestion Tax Act, is the first step in providing real relief to Hudson Valley families and commuters,” concluded Rep. Lawler. “While I am committed to fully repealing the SALT Cap, this is a measure we can enact this year as we work towards that larger goal.”

The SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination Act removes a penalty imposed on married individuals in the current tax code, doubling the cap for joint filers. It is co-sponsored by Rep. Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) and Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (NY-4).