Smucker: Tax reform plan is ‘exactly the types of reforms I wanted to see’

U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker praised the tax reform “framework” released by Republican leaders Wednesday, saying in a statement that it would mean tax cuts for every American.

The plan, promoted by House Speaker Paul Ryan and President Donald Trump, is a step toward what officials have promised would mean lower tax rates for large and small businesses and the middle class while expanding the economy and not further inflating the national debt.

Questions remain about some specific aspects of the plan and how much it will cost. Democratic opponents have also said it would benefit the wealthiest Americans more than middle-class taxpayers.

Smucker, in his campaign last year and since taking office in January, has frequently brought up his small-business background to say he believes cutting taxes for small businesses will lead to economic growth.

He has also emphasized his desire to simplify the tax code so much that taxes could be filed on a piece of paper the size of a postcard.

“These are exactly the types of reforms I wanted to see in a tax reform plan, and now is our best opportunity to reignite the American Dream,” Smucker said in the statement. “I’m proud of the effort that went into this framework, and I look forward to the work that lies ahead.”

The outline unveiled Wednesday was not legislation, which officials have said will be developed over the coming months.

Tax reform is the latest priority for Trump and congressional Republicans after multiple efforts to replace former President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act failed in Congress this year.

Credit: SAM JANESCH | Staff Writer