“As I come back from one Washington to this one, I bring with me one very important message: the American people want a tax code that empowers them, not limits them.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a House Republican press conference today, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) discussed the work she is doing to empower people in Eastern Washington and make their lives better through a simpler, fairer tax code.

 Remarks as Prepared for Delivery:

“It did my heart good to be back home in Eastern Washington for the past two weeks – meeting with innovators, small business employees, local health care providers, and hardworking moms and dads all across our state as they get ready to file their taxes. And as I come back from one Washington to this one, I bring with me one very important message: the American people want a tax code that empowers them, not limits them. So as we stand here, on the eve of tax day, let’s start by recognizing the need for a tax code that puts people first, not Washington first.

“Today – roughly 1 in 5 Americans live in states that do not have an income tax – including my home state of Washington – and as a result, those taxpayers have to deduct sales tax instead of state income tax on their federal tax returns. In 2012, 27 percent of tax filers in Washington claimed the sales tax deduction, saving Washingtonians $2 billion, fueling our local economy and putting more money into people’s pockets. But nearly two years ago, that deduction expired. And this week we’re voting to make this important tax deduction a permanent part of our federal tax code. This is one of the many ways we’re protecting taxpayers with certainty, simplicity and fairness. So as you sit down to finish your taxes this week, know that Republicans in Congress are listening. We’re empowering you with a simpler, fairer tax code that will make your lives better.”