LETTER: Women cannot afford more

Barb Nelson

Stanton

The Iowans I know work hard and many have felt the pinch when taxes are taken out of paychecks. Hard-working Iowans pay their fair share for public roads, bridges, schools, and services, while those who make the most are paying the least thanks to bad tax bills like the 2017 Tax Cuts Jobs Act (TCJA).

This TCJA was supposed to benefit the middle, but this law prioritized tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy and large corporations. I’m concerned about the negative impact the 2017 TCJA, enacted under a Republican-controlled Congress and signed by then-President Trump has on women. Continuing the failed strategy of trickle-down economics, this policy slashed taxes for the richest 1% and drastically reduced federal revenue, leaving fewer funds for essential programs that women heavily rely on, such as childcare, aging and disability care and housing.

The loss in revenue has ballooned the federal debt, prompting calls for spending cuts to these crucial services. This exacerbates inequality making it even harder for women and their families to thrive.

I am calling on Rep. Nunn to allow these unfair tax breaks for the wealthiest to expire in 2025 and push for policies ensuring that billionaires and big corporations pay their fair share. This would enable increased public investments in programs that support women and families. Women cannot afford more failed tax policies benefiting the ultra-wealthy.