Chairman Takano Delivers Remarks on “Kiddie Tax” Fix for Gold Star Families
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mark Takano (CA-41) spoke at a press conference highlighting Representative Elaine Luria’s bill, the Gold Star Family Tax Relief Act, which would fix the “kiddie tax” loophole that forces Gold Star families to pay extra taxes on their survivors benefits. Below is a link to the video of the Chairman’s speech and his remarks as prepared:
Thank you to Speaker Pelosi, Representative Luria, and my colleagues who have been champions on this issue and who are working to rectify this injustice.
As Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs I see it as one of our utmost responsibilities to support the families of servicemembers who have died while serving our country.
In fact, it’s our duty to support them.
Last Congress, when my Republican colleagues rammed through their tax scam they made sure that the largest corporations and the richest people in our country were able to benefit from this heist.
In this rushed process, they carelessly glossed over the true impact their legislation would have on millions of families across the country.
This tax hike on Gold Star Families was a direct result of Republicans irresponsibility and has created an additional burden for the families of our heroes -- we must work swiftly to correct it.
Americans everywhere expressed outrage when we first heard of the reports that Gold Star Families were forced to pay more in taxes this year on the benefits of Gold Star children.
Gold Star families, and especially children, have made an incredible sacrifice for their country too, they should not be burdened by additional taxes on the benefits our country owes them.
In fact, members of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors are on Capitol Hill today to discuss these unfair practices that negatively impact the lives of surviving spouses and their children.
Representative Luria’s bill will fix this unjust tax burden, and I am proud to support her work on this issue.
As Chairman, I am fully committed to fixing these wrongs, and I call on every Member to commit to voting yes to remove this burdensome tax.
To all the Gold Star Spouses that are here today-- know that your families service lives on. We will never stop fighting for you and your families.
Now, I’d like to introduce Cheryl Lankford, the spouse of Sergeant Major Jonathan M. Lankford Sr.
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