Alan Lowenthal: “I want to quote from one of my colleagues from California: ``Eliminating the State and local tax deduction would assure…”

“I want to quote from one of my colleagues from California: ``Eliminating the State and local tax deduction would assure that almost all of the bill's tax cuts would be distributed to other States, leaving California with the bill.'' That was from my Republican colleague, Darrell Issa. Mr. Speaker, he was right on this. The Republican tax plan is cruel in so many ways. But perhaps the worst provision specifically targets States like California, New York, and New Jersey. Our States have stepped into the breach left by the Federal Government. We have raised taxes to pay for infrastructure. We have raised taxes to pay for hospitals. We have raised taxes to pay for schools. Now the Republicans want to punish us? Mr. Speaker, this is a political game, plain and simple. Californians are smart enough to see through it. ____________________”