Faso’s vote against the tax plan didn’t stop a Tuesday night protest outside his Kingston office
WASHINGTON – Democratic House Member Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) voted against the Republican tax overhaul plan.
He said it would “explode” the deficit, weaken Medicare and “undermine” efforts to build infrastructure and invest in education.
“I would describe it as a lose-lose for New York and for the country, but it is a win-win for corporations and rich people,” Maloney said.
Fellow Democrat, Nita Lowey (NY-17) also opposed the bill.
Congressman John Faso (NY-19) voted against the tax bill and will oppose the revised version when it comes up for a vote today. He is one of a dozen Republicans opposing the measure.
“While there has been positive progress, I still cannot vote for the conference committee package due to my overwhelming concern with the state and local income tax deduction,” Faso said in a statement on Monday.
That is not good enough, claim local activists. Several dozen protesters gathered outside Faso’s Kingston office Tuesday evening, to demand more concessions from their freshman representative.
Antonella Pechtel of the New York State Nurses Association said Faso was given “a pass” by GOP leadership.
“They knew they had enough votes and they know this district right here is one of the most targeted districts that is going to be played nationally next year,” Pechtel said. “They know they need to hold onto this seat so they gave him permission to back off.”
Pechtel said the bill is “a scam” and a way to “derail” the Affordable Care Act.
David Clegg, one of the Democratic candidates for Congress in 2018, called Faso insincere. “John Faso, let’s face it, it’s not about him trying to do the right thing. He is totally wishy-washy depending on which way the wind is blowing, but he is voting for a Republican agenda which will hurt us,” he said.
The US Senate later on Tuesday approved the tax bill, which was opposed by Democratic members, including Minority Leader Charles Schumer of New York.
