WASHINGTON — Numerous progressive organizations from across the U.S. gathered in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday to advocate for “tax justice” before Congress undertakes the significant task of revising the tax code in 2025.
Organized by Fair Share America, state and national advocates called for higher corporate tax rates and ensuring individuals earning over $400,000 annually “pay their fair share.”
Representatives from 20 states met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, engaging in individual discussions and public testimonies.
Kristen Crowell, the coalition’s executive director, emphasized the importance of holding representatives accountable, stating that they aim to prevent deals from being made behind closed doors without public oversight.
Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado encouraged the crowd, emphasizing the necessity of their presence to counter special interests. “This is the beginning of a long battle that we’re going to have for tax fairness in this country,” Bennet said.
Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas, a senior Democrat on the House Committee on Ways and Means, referred to the upcoming tax negotiations as the “Super Bowl of taxes.”
A contingent of 61 caregiving advocacy groups urged Congress to utilize tax revenue from increased taxes on the wealthy to fund child care, elder care, and disability services. Ai-jen Poo, president of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, testified before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Policy.
“By asking the wealthiest individuals and wealthy corporations to pay their fair share, lawmakers can leverage the tax code to support robust public investments,” the Care Can’t Wait coalition wrote in a letter to congressional leadership.
Harris, Trump tax promises
The visit coincides with Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump making broad tax promises ahead of the November presidential election.
Trump recently declared on Truth Social he would lift the $10,000 SALT deduction cap, a key feature of his 2017 tax law. “WHAT THE HELL DO YOU HAVE TO LOSE? VOTE FOR TRUMP!” he posted.
Analyses, including one from the Tax Foundation, indicate the SALT deduction primarily benefits higher-income taxpayers. Pennsylvania, a pivotal state in the presidential race, is notably affected.
Trump’s platform includes fully extending his 2017 tax law and lowering the corporate tax rate to 15%. However, economists estimate this could add $2 trillion to $6 trillion to the national deficit over the next decade.
Harris’ “opportunity economy” platform proposes making permanent the pandemic-era expansion of the child tax credit and adding a $6,000 credit for new parents. She also promises not to raise taxes on those earning under $400,000 annually.
Speaking to the National Association of Black Journalists, Harris reiterated plans to cap child care costs at 7% of household income, which she believes would significantly benefit the economy.
Harris also aims to increase the corporate tax rate to 28% and tax long-term capital gains at the same rate. Other proposals include a $25,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers and a $50,000 deduction for new small businesses.
Groups from states including Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin were among those represented on Capitol Hill.
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