Press Releases

Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) released the following statement after a House Ways and Means Select Revenue Measures subcommittee hearing on “How Middle-Class Families are Faring in Today's Economy." At the hearing, Members discussed the impact of tax reform on small businesses and middle-class families throughout America. “The notion that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has only benefited the wealthiest of Americans is patently false. In fact, over 56% of the benefits from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act go to families and workers making below $200,000, and the majority of the share of taxes paid by millionaires has actually increased” said Arrington. “What is indisputable is that lowering taxes and lowering the regulatory burden has worked to stimulate the economy and provide employers with incentives to expand and invest in their workers. This isn’t just a matter of statistics and data: it means real jobs and real money in the pockets of hardworking Americans.” “At a time when there are over seven million job openings and Americans are more confident in their family’s financial future than they’ve been in 16 years, it is essential Congress protects pro-growth policies that are leading to better outcomes for Americans of all backgrounds.” Background: • Since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law in 2017, more than six million workers have received wage and benefits increases. • Because of tax cuts, the average American family of four earning $75,000 will keep $2,000 more of their own money. • In 2018, wages for American workers grew at 3.2%, rising at the fastest pace since 2009. • The economy added 304,000 jobs in January, almost double what economists had expected. • In February 2019, the number of job openings in the United States increased to over 7.3 million, a record high. • In 2018, the unemployment rate for African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, and Asian-Americans all fell to record lows.