by Peter Clerkin
These days, it seems like politicians cannot agree about anything. That’s because it’s convenient for the media to use a gridlock narrative as shorthand for the contrarian and obstinate behavior that defines how our elected representatives address a few big issues. However, a different, more nuanced picture emerges when one takes a closer look at the actual lawmaking process – the pursuit of positive change. Common Ground profiles members of opposing parties who are working together to advance issues important to hoteliers.
The Issue
Tax Reform 2.0
Key provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are set to expire in 2026, which would mean that working Americans and small business owners would keep less of their hard-earned money.
Common Ground
H.R. 6760, the Protecting Family and Small Business Tax Cuts Act of 2018 would make the tax cuts permanent, and the Section 199A deduction for pass-through businesses would be made permanent. These changes to the TCJA would increase long-run GDP by 2.2 percent and create approximately 1.5 million new jobs. The bill passed the House in late September. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema was one of only three Democrats to support the bill which enjoyed overwhelming support from House Republicans including Rep. Martha McSally. In a twist, the two members featured in this month’s installment of Common Ground are facing off against each other for Arizona’s open Senate seat this November.
Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ)
First Elected: 2012
“When last year’s partisan tax bill passed, I said I would work across the aisle on a better deal for Arizona families. Last year’s tax bill failed to provide permanent tax relief for middle class families and small businesses. Today’s bill rectified that issue and that’s why I voted yes.”
Rep. Martha McSally (R-AZ)
First Elected: 2014
“Arizonans are seeing the positive impacts of the tax cuts Republicans worked to push through Congress last year…It is great to see Tax Reform 2.0 moving forward.”
