Democratic governor Steve Bullock released a statement today criticizing the tax reform bill moving through Congress for increasing the national debt without reducing taxes on the middle class. Democratic Senator Jon Tester has already criticized the bill because of cuts to Medicare and Medicaid.
Earlier this month, Republican Congressman Greg Gianforte’s vote helped pass the U.S. House version of the bill.
At first, Republican Senator Steve Daines opposed the bill, but reversed course yesterday after lawmakers added several tax cuts for small businesses.
Republicans running for Tester’s Senate seat in 2018 have expressed support for tax reform. Troy Downing tweeted that the bill would make American businesses more competitive. On his website, Matt Rosendale’s has pledged to support the creation of a simpler tax code.
Five of the Democrats trying to unseat Greg Gianforte next year have all criticized the plan. Kathleen Williams, John Heenan, Grant Kier, Tom Woods and Jared Pettinato have called the bill unfair because it gives bigger tax cuts to corporations and the wealthy.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says he expects a final vote on the bill late tonight or early tomorrow.
