By J. Zamgba Browne
Chief Correspondent
The States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut have launched a coalition aimed at suing the federal government to challenge the new Republican tax bill that eliminates full state and local tax deductibility.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York explained that the provision effectively preempts the states’ abilities to govern by reducing their abilities to provide for their own citizens. It unfairly targets his state and similarly situated states in violation of the U.S. Constitution.
“New Yorkers will not stand idly by as the federal government fires an economic missile at the fiscal health of our state,” said Gov. Cuomo.
“The elimination of full state and local deductibility is a blatantly partisan and unlawful attack on New York. It uses our hardworking families and tax dollars as a piggy bank to pay for cuts for corporations and other states,” said Cuomo.
He added that the coalition will take the federal government to court to protect the states and residents targeted for assault.
Phil Murphy, governor of the State of New Jersey agreed, adding that “capping the State and Local Tax deduction had nothing to do with sound policy.”
Gov. Murphy further said, “It is clear and politically motivated punishment of blue states –like New Jersey and our neighbors – who are already paying far more to the federal government than we receive.”
“We will not stand by and allow this to happen. I pledge that my administration would explore every legal mechanism to fight for New Jersey taxpayers, and that is exactly what we are doing today.”
Daniel P. Malloy, governor of Connecticut said the GOP tax legislation gave massive handouts to the wealthiest one percent and stuck middle- class taxpayers with the bill.
“In short, this law does real harm to Connecticut taxpayers, who stand to lose over 10 billion dollars in state and local tax deductions. Hundreds of thousands of residents could see a tax increase as their property values decrease,” said Malloy.
He added that the coalition launched by the tri-states will “fight against the discriminatory impacts of this shortsighted and damaging Republican law on our states.”
