When you’re trying to put food on the table, clothes on your children’s backs, and gas in the car, every dollar matters. For families across southern Michigan, Washington should be a partner in lowering costs, not another expense.
But for too long, the federal government has had a spending problem, increasing costs on hardworking Americans and abusing taxpayer dollars.
As Michigan families continue recovering from the historic economic crisis caused by the failed policies of the previous administration, Congress must remain focused on cutting waste, protecting taxpayers, and ensuring your hard-earned money works for you—not against you.
During the 119th Congress, I have worked with my colleagues to identify savings for taxpayers while delivering policies that provide relief to working families and grow our economy.
Last year, as Chairman of the Education and Workforce Committee, I led efforts to simplify student loan repayment, streamline loan options, and reduce unnecessary federal spending. That plan, signed into law as part of the historic Working Families Tax Cuts, generated more than $280 billion in taxpayer savings.
I also supported legislation that reined in over $9 billion in excessive spending by bureaucrats in D.C. for projects like Iraqi Sesame Street. Cracking down on waste, fraud and abuse of federal taxpayer dollars isn’t optional—it’s our responsibility as elected officials.
At the same time, Washington should prioritize policies that put money back into the pockets of the people who earned it. The Working Families Tax Cuts did exactly that.
In addition to preventing what would have been the largest tax increase in American history, the legislation eliminated taxes on tips and overtime pay, helping many workers save up to $1,400 annually. It also delivered tax relief for seniors receiving Social Security, made the small business deduction permanent, provided relief for family farmers, and expanded the Child Tax Credit.
These policies are already making a difference with over 60 million tax filers claiming one of the provisions of the Working Families Tax Cuts. As a result, this tax refund season was the largest in history, with Michigan families receiving an average $3,131 refund, allowing them to keep more of their hard-earned money. The legislation is also projected to increase take-home pay for a typical family of four in Michigan by up to $11,700, providing further economic relief to Michigan families.
To continue to make life more affordable for Michigan families, House Republicans have passed legislation that offers common-sense solutions to restore integrity in our nation’s health care system and provide Michiganders with more options and flexibility to choose coverage that works for them. The Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act would strengthen transparency and accountability in drug pricing, decrease premiums by almost 12%, and save taxpayers over $30 billion.
It also includes my bill, the Association Health Plans Act, which would expand association health plans (AHPs) to small businesses and self-employed individuals. AHPs are proven to drive down costs for enrollees in some industries by up to 50%, expanding access to high-quality health care at lower prices.
While fighting to rein in wasteful spending and put more money back in your pocket, I also recognize that strategic federal investments can strengthen our local communities.
After meeting with local community leaders across southern Michigan and working with them to identify key community needs, I secured $27 million in federal funding for more than a dozen projects throughout Michigan’s 5th District to help address them.
That funding will support critical improvements to water infrastructure, roads and bridges, emergency communications systems, and other projects that protect public safety and encourage economic growth.
Washington works best when it puts taxpayers first by cutting waste, lowering costs, and investing in the communities that keep our country strong. That means ensuring more money stays where it belongs: in the pockets of hardworking families and the communities they call home.
Congressman Tim Walberg represents Michigan’s 5th District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Walberg: Making Washington work for southern Michigan
Reporting by Holland Sentinel / The Holland Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Holland Sentinel | USA TODAY Network
