GOP Jewish Rep Slams Tax Bill As Anti-New York ‘Redistribution Of Wealth’

Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
Lee Zeldin may be one of Trump’s most loyal supporters in Congress. But the recent vote on Trump’s tax reform faced the New York Jewish Republican with a tough choice, between his party, and his constitutents.
Zeldin went with his constituents, voting against the tax reform bill when it came to the House floor and later when it got back from conference.
Speaking to CNBC on Wednesday, Zeldin drew on socialist lingo to explain his opposition to the bill. “It’s a geographic redistribution of wealth … when you are taking extra money from a state like New York or New Jersey to pay for a deeper tax cut elsewhere,” Zeldin said.
Zeldin, like other Republicans from high-tax states, has complained that limits on state-tax deduction will hurt disproportionately their constituents.
Contact Nathan Guttman at [email protected] or on Twitter @nathanguttman
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
