Show-Me State Times

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri has introduced a proposal to deliver substantial tax cuts to working-class Americans. Hawley outlines his plan in an opinion piece, emphasizing the role of Republicans in providing tax relief to those who earn less than $80,000 annually.

Hawley references commentator Robert Novak, suggesting that the GOP's historical mission has been to cut taxes, a tradition he believes should continue. He argues that the current discussions on President Donald Trump's budget have not sufficiently addressed the tax needs of the working class, who were pivotal in securing Trump's electoral success.

The senator highlights financial struggles faced by families, noting the loss of manufacturing jobs and stagnant wages. He describes a scenario where costs of living, such as mortgages and groceries, have become increasingly burdensome for many.

To address these issues, Hawley proposes making popular tax credits—home mortgage deduction, child tax credit, and charitable deduction—accessible to those who pay payroll taxes. He points out that these credits offer significant tax relief, yet are currently skewed towards higher-income earners who pay more in income taxes.

Hawley dismisses claims that a significant portion of Americans pay no taxes, stating that payroll taxes make up a considerable part of government revenue. He urges Republicans to extend existing tax credits to offset payroll tax liabilities of working-class Americans.

To illustrate the potential impact of his proposal, Hawley mentions a pastor with six children earning $80,000 who would save $6,582 annually, and a police officer's family struggling to afford daycare who would save $7,500.

He concludes that such measures would provide necessary financial relief to families, suggesting a return to Republican roots of tax reduction.