Diane S. Sykes: “Last week was tax day. I probably don't have to remind most folks because it is a day that is both loved and lauded…”

“Last week was tax day. I probably don't have to remind most folks because it is a day that is both loved and lauded depending on who you are. For millions of Americans it is supposed to be a moment of relief, a chance to catch up, get ahead, and breathe a little easier because of the refunds that many expect. But for far too many families, including my constituents in Ohio's 13th Congressional District, tax day was just another reminder that their money isn't going as far as it should. While the President and House Republicans promised lower costs and bigger refunds, families are actually seeing grocery bills that are too high; gas prices that stretch their budgets; and rent, healthcare, housing, and everyday essentials that are taking up more and more of their paychecks. When they finally get that tax refund, they will realize it doesn't go as far as promised, or they didn't get a tax refund at all, and it went nowhere. That is not by accident. Republican policies like the One Big Beautiful Bill Act gave massive tax breaks to millionaires, billionaires, and big corporations. The top 0.1 percent are receiving average tax cuts of more than $300,000. Meanwhile, Americans earning less than $50,000 a year are seeing their taxes go up. Add in President Trump's lack of strategy on tariffs, which amounts to a national sales tax, and now families are paying more out of pocket while the wealthiest get a permanent tax break.”