Paul Tonko: “I would add to that that the jobs piece is so significant. Because we can talk about tax reform, but unless you have a…”

“I would add to that that the jobs piece is so significant. Because we can talk about tax reform, but unless you have a job and an income, then it renders itself somewhat meaningless. I would also add, Representative Garamendi, the concern that as more and more pressure has befallen the 50 States, we've seen cuts to programs and resources. These services don't go away, and so the payment comes down to the local level with property tax payments that are now snuffing out the American Dream for America's working families, for the middle class. So not only is the tax policy suffocating for middle class Americans, but the counter effect of property taxes growing in order to continue services means that more and more pressure--income tax, property tax pressure, school tax pressure--is befalling the middle class. When people want to walk away from this agenda to make progressive reforms to tax policy, it scares me because this is our moment, our tipping point to turn things around. I know that you want to close. I thank you for the outstanding leadership in bringing us together, Representative Garamendi. It is always a pleasure to join with you. We will continue to forcefully speak to the reforms we need.”