Calif., New York Governors Cry Foul Over Bid To End Tax Deductions

Governors Jerry Brown of California and Andrew Cuomo of New York are crying foul over the Republican push to end a federal tax break that largely benefits their states.

The GOP proposal would eliminate the federal income tax deduction for state and local taxes. The deduction predominantly benefits wealthy people in high-tax states governed by Democrats.

The GOP budget bill that passed Congress Thursday lays the groundwork for the tax plan. Brown likened the 14 California House Republicans who backed the budget to “a herd of sheep.”

“There’s a lot of slavish adherence to the Republican leadership," Brown said. "I think these people are scared. They’re gonna need enormous sums of money for their campaigns. I don’t know whether that’s the reason, but they’ve all fallen in line.”

Governor Cuomo used harsh language to describe the two New York House Republicans who voted for bill.

“I think it’s modern-day treason against the state," Cuomo said. "I think they are the Benedict Arnolds of today because they voted against the interest of the people in their district.”

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield has argued it’s not fair that lower-tax states subsidize high-tax states. He says Sacramento should be held accountable for choosing to raise taxes.