Jeff Merkley: “In fact, that is indeed one of the big lumps of coal Americans are getting. One in three American taxpayers utilizes…”

“In fact, that is indeed one of the big lumps of coal Americans are getting. One in three American taxpayers utilizes this deduction, as should anyone who pays State and local taxes. How fair is it that on the money people have already paid out in taxes--taxes to one government organization--they get taxed on by the Federal Government? It is double taxation. The Republicans, in this bill, are standing for the unfair double taxation of Americans. It is absolutely wrong, and it is a big deal. The average deduction in Oregon among those who use the SALT deduction is about $12,000. That is a very significant factor. That means their taxes are going to go up. The Republicans, with this bill, are saying yes to unfair double taxation, and we are saying no.”