West STL News

Representative Ann Wagner of Missouri joined Chairman Jason Smith and Representative Darin LaHood for a roundtable discussion in St. Louis, focusing on the potential impact of a proposed $7 trillion tax hike by the Biden-Harris Administration. The event, held at Centene, aimed to gather insights from local business leaders and workers.

Rep. Wagner highlighted concerns over the expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. She noted that if these cuts expire, "the average taxpayer in Missouri’s 2nd District would have their taxes raised by 20%." This increase could pose significant financial challenges, especially amid current inflation rates.

Chairman Smith emphasized the potential negative effects of the proposed tax hikes on communities across America. "The Ways and Means Committee has held 120 Tax Team events in 20 states across the country," he stated, underscoring that workers' wages are lagging behind inflation and small businesses face growth challenges.

Rep. LaHood praised the Trump Tax Cuts for fostering economic growth and supporting small businesses. He pledged continued efforts with Chairman Smith to promote pro-growth tax policies that benefit communities nationwide.

The event is part of ongoing efforts by Ways and Means Committee Republicans to engage with communities about extending key provisions of the 2017 Trump Tax Cuts before they expire next year. Attendees urged Congress to maintain the Section 199A small business deduction, which helps small businesses compete with larger corporations.

Businesses represented at the roundtable included Centene, Evernorth Health Services, Wideman Pools, Speed Fabrication LLC, Reinsurance Group of America (RGA), Ameren, Hunter Engineering, Bunge, Sitelines, and Emerson.