The Tax Cuts & Jobs Act

Our nation’s tax code hasn’t been overhauled in three decades. Last week, the House took action to change that by passing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This legislation will cut taxes for job creators and help middle income Americans keep more of their hard earned money instead of sending it to Washington. 

Helping Middle Class Families: Our plan lowers tax rates, doubles the standard deduction, increases the Child Tax Credit, preserves the Adoption Tax Credit, and creates a new Family Tax Credit that will provide real tax relief for hardworking middle class families across West Michigan.

Small Business Tax Relief: Additionally, our legislation will increase economic growth by cutting taxes on small businesses to their lowest level since World War II so they can grow their local business and create new jobs in our community.

Strengthening The Economy: Lastly, our legislation also lowers the corporate tax rate so Michigan job creators of all sizes can compete against foreign companies, expand in Michigan, and create good-paying jobs.

Restoring The Adoption Tax Credit

Originally, the House was going to eliminate the Adoption Tax Credit as a matter of simplifying the tax code. I thought this action was inconsistent with our core values and sent the wrong message.  To correct this, I joined with a group of my pro-adoption colleagues to write Congressman Kevin Brady, the representative in charge of writing the tax bill. 

I am happy to report our efforts were successful. On November 9th, Mr. Brady announced the restoration of the Adoption Tax Credit. West Michigan has a strong history of opening its doors to children in need of a forever home. If a loving family wants to welcome a child into their home, the federal government should encourage that action by removing financial barriers to adoption. I believe our tax code should not only encourage but embrace this pro-life, pro-adoption, and pro-family position.

The Big Picture

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will provide opportunity for West Michigan families living paycheck to paycheck to achieve the American Dream. To get the facts on this important legislation please visit FairandSimple.gop.


Thank You Veterans

While Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11th, we should strive to honor our veterans and thank their families every day for their courage, their sacrifice, and their dedication to our great nation. 

On November 10th, I participated in a Veterans Day Breakfast at Grand Valley and had the pleasure of honoring West Michigan veterans including Samantha Rose, a veteran of the U.S. Army, who now serves as President of Student Veterans of America at GVSU. 

Grand Valley has continued to innovate to make West Michigan veterans a priority. Thank you President Haas and the staff at Grand Valley for helping veterans find success in their next chapter of life! 


Hearing From You

Prior to Veterans Day, I met with Muskegon Rolling Thunder members Mike, Randy, and Red to discuss improving care at VA facilities, displaying the POW/MIA flag, and H.R. 299 - the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veteran Act, a bill that I cosponsor.  Thank you for your service and advocacy!

On November 10th, I met with Cub Scout Pack 3391, Boy Scout Troop 146 of Hudsonville, and members of Boy Scout Troop 292 from Grandville. It was great to speak with such thoughtful future leaders! 

I also recently met with trucking and transportation operators from across West Michigan where we discussed some of the regulatory issues currently facing small businesses.

At the end of October, I toured Magna International's manufacturing facility in Holland. It was great to speak with employees and observe first-hand the high quality products that are being manufactured right here in West Michigan. 

Helping Low and Middle Income Families 

Last week, the House Financial Services Committee passed my legislation, the Mortgage Choice Act, by a strong bipartisan vote of 46-13. Currently, some consumers are being denied the ability to take advantage of the convenience and market efficiencies offered by one-stop shopping. This is like telling Meijer that they can carry groceries, but they can’t carry school supplies. 

To learn more about the Mortgage Choice Act and how it helps lower and moderate income families achieve the American Dream, click the picture above.  

Mr. Ambassador!

Earlier this month, my friend, mentor, and Second District constituent Pete Hoekstra was confirmed to serve as Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. West Michigan and our nation will be well represented with Ambassador Hoekstra working to strengthen the historic economic and cultural ties between the United States and the Netherlands. You can read more about Pete's incredible story at WHTC. Congratulations Pete!

The Michigan Minute