Herrera Beutler to Support House Tax Plan

Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler has announced that she supports the U.S. House’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which, according to her office, will allow residents in Southwest Washington to earn bigger paychecks and keep more of their money.

“This bill is a good deal for Southwest Washington taxpayers,” Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground, said in a statement. “While portions of our economy have seen a boost since the recession, the take-home pay, salary increases and raises of actual workers have not — and Congress has an opportunity to change that by passing this tax cut bill.”

If approved, a family of four in Southwest Washington with a median salary of $83,874 will be able to keep $1,929 that would have went to pay taxes, Herrera Beutler said. According to independent studies cited by the congresswoman, there would be more than 19,968 jobs created in Washington, while middle income families would see an average of $2,672 more in their paychecks because of economic growth.

The plan would lower individual tax rates, increase the standard deduction and retain 401ks and individual retirement accounts, according to Herrera Beutler’s office. It would also establish a new family credit which would allow for $300 more to each parent to help with everyday expenses.

“These tax cuts will nearly double the amount the IRS can’t touch from your paycheck each year, from $6,350 to $12,000 for individuals and from $12,700 to $24,000 for married folks,” Herrera Beutler said. “Seven out of 10 Southwest Washington taxpayers already use this ‘standard deduction’ to calculate their tax bill — and with it doubling, even more people here will use it to pay a lower, simpler tax bill, which will leave more money in their wallets.”

With nearly eight out of 10 Americans living paycheck to paycheck, Herrera Beutler said if Congress votes yes for the bill, it could “spark economic growth that will provide an average $2,600 boost in annual paychecks.”