Grassley is misleading on benefits of tax reform

U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley claimed, in a recent column published in USA Today, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was beneficial to everyone, and Democrats are using partisan politics to spread lies and misinformation about the positive effects.

Grassley failed to mention who benefits the most - it isn't Iowans like me. The richest 5 percent of Iowans are getting 44 percent of the benefits of the tax cut.

Iowa has the 21st most unfair state and local tax system in the country. Incomes are more unequal in Iowa after state and local taxes are collected than before. This negates Grassley's claim that taxes are working for everyone; the federal reform is perpetuating inequality.

Grassley describes the law as 'good policy,” and distorts its benefits.

The bottom line is that no matter how you look at it, the Trump tax law is a regressive policy designed to help those who are already well-off. Yet, our public discourse is cluttered with arguments missing that basic point.

Grassley accuses Democrats of playing partisan politics by pointing out the law unfairly benefits the wealthy. WBut that is exactly what it does. Touted by the GOP as a bill giving the middle class a tax break, the law disproportionately benefits the extremely wealthy. Bottom wage earners continue to feel the squeeze of a rigged tax system.

Connie Jacobson

Cedar Rapids