Republican politicians in Washington are touting middle-class tax cuts in the “big, beautiful bill.” While I don’t deny the existence of a “middle class” tax cut (minuscule as it is), omitted is mention of the overwhelming negative effects of their tax plan. It dramatically shortchanges we the middle-class taxpayers, and less fortunate Americans.

The Tax Policy Center reports that individuals making $217,000 or more, representing 20% of taxpayers, receive about 60% of the tax breaks and the remaining 80% of us receive about 43%. The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy states that the middle 20% of taxpayers receive only 10% of the tax cuts while the top 5% of taxpayers receive 45% of the tax cuts next year. The Congressional Budget Office also estimates this bill will increase the federal budget deficit by $3.4 trillion over the next decade.

What a sham that trillions of dollars in tax cuts — awarded to the most wealthy in this county over the next 10 years — were funded in a major part by shortchanging tax cuts for we the 80% of taxpayers. Further, this tax plan was funded by draconian cuts to safety net programs, such as Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, fuel assistance, the Affordable Care Act and humanitarian aid to victims in foreign countries. This legislation is morally unjust, virtuously void and a heartless act.

Richard Stuart
Thomaston