WASHINGTON, D.C. – The following op-ed by Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) appeared in the GoSanAngelo this week.
“Republicans in Congress, alongside President Trump, delivered a transformative piece of legislation on America’s 249th anniversary. I refer, of course, to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — the largest Working Families Tax Cut package in American history.
“I am of the camp that Americans deserve lower taxes and less government in their lives, and at the heart of the Working Families Tax Cut are critical tax reforms that deliver on that belief. This bill is a massive win for hardworking Texans and will help foster an economy that is pro-growth, pro-worker, pro-family, pro-business and pro-energy.
“Arguably, the most impactful victory of this bill is the permanent extension of the 2017 Trump tax cuts. Without this, over 475,000 taxpayers in Texas’ 11th Congressional District would have faced a devastating 26% tax increase — the largest in American history. This alone protects middle-class families, small businesses and workers from a crushing financial blow, but it doesn’t stop there.
“Seniors in Texas, 88% of whom receive Social Security benefits, will now pay zero taxes on those benefits. Hourly workers will also keep more of what they earn, with overtime pay, tips and even interest on car loans for new American-made vehicles being exempt from taxation up to generous limits. This will put thousands of dollars back in the pockets of hardworking Texans.
“Families will see additional support through an expanded Child Tax Credit of up to $2,200 per child, which will help offset today’s rising costs of raising a family. For Texans looking to grow their family through adoption, this bill improves the Adoption Tax Credit by making up to $5,000 of it refundable — easing the financial burden that can unfortunately prevent families from adopting.
“To help parents plan ahead and start saving early for their children’s future, this bill also establishes Trump Savings Accounts. These accounts will allow parents, family members or employers to contribute up to $5,000 annually. These funds can later be used for educational opportunities, home ownership and other essential life investments.
“This legislation also supports school choice by encouraging donations to scholarship funds, which will expand educational opportunities for every child in Texas, regardless of their ZIP code.
“Rural communities also stand to gain. A higher death tax exemption ensures that the more than 2 million family farms nationwide are protected from the crippling double taxation that far too often forces families to sell the land when passed from one generation to the next.
“Texas businesses and energy producers win big, too. This bill makes the 199A small business deduction permanent at 20%, which is a vital lifeline for Texas entrepreneurs to feasibly launch a business. It also broadens tax breaks for research and equipment purchases, encouraging Made-in-America investments and creating thousands of jobs across several industries.
“Additionally, the Biden Administration’s ‘Green New Scam’ tax credits totaling $500 billion will be repealed. These misguided subsidies hindered America’s energy sector and threw taxpayer dollars down the drain. This legislation also eliminates the natural gas tax — delivering certainty to American energy producers, preserving energy jobs and incentivizing domestic production that will ultimately lead to lower costs for American consumers.
“With all the misinformation circulating, it is imperative to separate fact from fiction. The Working Families Tax Cut is a clear response to what the American people demanded in November: rein in wasteful spending, grow the economy and make life genuinely affordable again.
“Nothing is perfect, but this legislation delivers historic, tangible wins for Texans. I am excited about this bill, and all of Texas District 11 should be, too.”