Ryan seeks to end cap on federal tax program

GARDINER, N.Y. >> U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan has teamed with Republicans and Democrats to eliminate a cap on a tax program that would benefit businesses and residents, according to Ryan’s office.

In a press release, Ryan’s office said the Gardiner Democrat, who represents the 18th Congressional District, is pushing to restore the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction “which will provide significant relief from double taxation.”

As part of the effort, Ryan said, a SALT caucus has been formed.

“I came to Congress to deliver relief for middle class New Yorkers who are struggling to afford everything from housing to healthcare, heating their home to fueling their car,” Ryan, D-Gardiner, said in a statement. “The SALT deduction cap is blatant double taxation and unjustly punishes hard working families across the Hudson Valley. I’m proud to stand and fight with colleagues from both parties to reinstate this deduction and put dollars back in the pockets of Hudson Valley families.”

Others agreed, including Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce President Ward Todd, a former Republican chairman of the Ulster County Legislature.

“The SALT cap is an unfair double tax on tens of thousands of New Yorkers, including the firefighters, police officers, teachers, nurses, and small business owners that make up this district,” Todd said in a statement.

Democrats such as Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger were also behind the effort.

“The SALT cap passed by former President Trump hurts New Yorkers who already pay more than their fair share of federal taxes for government services,” Metzger said in an email

Officials in other counties were supportive of Ryan’s effort.

“Reversing the loss of all State and local tax deductions will help Orange County families,” said Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus, a Republican.

Said Dutchess County Executive William F.X. O’Neil, a Republican, “We are in favor of actions that reduce undue tax burden on Dutchess County residents.”

The 2017 Tax Law imposed a $10,000 cap on the SALT deduction. “This policy violates 150 years of precedent in federal tax law, disproportionately harms New York, and unfairly imposes a marriage penalty on couples filing jointly by having them face the same $10,000 cap as individuals,” a press release from Ryan’s office said.

According to research by the National Association of Realtors, in New York, 35% of taxpayers claimed the SALT deduction in 2016 before it was capped.