FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2025
Contact: Nadeska Concha, nadeska@floridaforall.vote, (813) 482-4161
TALLAHASSEE, FL –Today, over 20 organizations from across the state released a letter to Congress urging members to reject the extension of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), widely seen as a giveaway to billionaires and large corporations at the expense of working families and seniors. As Elon Musk gains unrestricted power in President Trump’s government and attempts to cut off aid to millions of Americans to save him on his tax bill, Floridians from Miami-Dade to Duval County are demanding that lawmakers create a fair tax system that serves hardworking people and funds essential services by ensuring the ultra-wealthy pay what they owe.
“No one voted for billionaires to run our country, but as we’ve seen this week with Elon Musk’s raid on government agencies and our private information, that is exactly what we are getting,” said Luisa Muñoz, Civic Engagement Director of Florida Student Power. “With the Trump tax scam expiring, Congress has a choice—continue to cater to the wannabe oligarchs, or stand up for the working people who actually power our economy. It’s time for lawmakers to fire Elon Musk and fund our futures.”
Since its passage, the TCJA has disproportionately benefited the richest 5% of Americans, while failing to deliver on promises of increased wages or economic growth. The law has exacerbated budget shortfalls, putting critical public services—including education, healthcare, and infrastructure—at risk.
“The Trump tax scam was sold as a benefit for working families and seniors, but in reality, it deepened inequality and added trillions to the national debt while enriching only the caviar class and greedy corporations,” said Chris Furino, Co-Executive Director of Central Florida Jobs with Justice. “As Florida faces an affordability crisis that many of our own lawmakers are largely to blame for, we cannot afford to repeat past mistakes.”
As Congress debates whether to extend or expand the TCJA, Florida advocates are demanding a fairer tax system that:
- Ensures large corporations and the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share instead of receiving more tax breaks.
- Raises essential revenue to fund healthcare, education, and economic programs that benefit working families and seniors.
- Invests in communities of color and historically underfunded areas to promote economic mobility and racial equity.
“The vast majority of Floridians want a tax system that works for them—not one rigged in favor of Wall Street and billionaires,” said Jackson Oberlink, Legislative Director of Florida For All. “Congress must take this opportunity to put our working families and seniors first in order to build a tax system that truly strengthens our communities.”
The coalition—comprised of grassroots organizations, labor unions, and advocacy groups—includes Central Florida Jobs with Justice, Christ International Church, Dream Defenders, Florida Policy Institute, Florida Student Power, Indivisible FL13, Miami Freedom Project, Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association, and SEIU Florida.
