Fact-Check: Rep. Tom Barrett’s Claims About Republican Tax Law Don't Match Reality for Working Families
Recently Congressman Tom Barrett wrote an Op-Ed promoting the Republican Tax Law which contained several claims that contradict independent economic analysis and the actual provisions of the legislation. Michigan Families for Fair Care decided it was time someone fact-check our Congressman.
Here are the facts:
CLAIM 1: "[The Republican Tax Law] ensures the working class will keep more of their money to buy groceries, fill the gas tank, and pay the electric bill."
THE FACTS: Under the law, the average family earning less than $50,000 receives $250 in tax cuts in 2027, less than $1 a day, while the average tax filer earning $1 million or more a year would receive about $100,000 in tax breaks. The top 10% of income earners nationwide receive over 50% of the benefits of the Republican Tax Law. Meanwhile, grocery and energy prices are skyrocketing.
CLAIM 2: "All this tax relief will lower costs for families while boosting mid-Michigan's economy."
THE FACTS: Thanks to the Republican Tax Law, American households could pay $2,300 more because of 2025 tariffs which Barrett has repeatedly supported. These tariffs will also reduce the income of working class Michiganders by an average of $1,870. Taken together, these tariffs will raise costs for working families by many thousands of dollars.
CLAIM 3: "On top of working-class tax relief, the new law also encourages employment, promotes the dignity of work, and strengthens Medicaid and food assistance."
THE FACTS: This bill guts Medicaid and food assistance. The recently passed Republican Tax Law reduces federal funding for Medicaid and SNAP by billions of dollars. In Michigan, nearly 125,000 people are at risk of losing food assistance. It decimates health coverage and will leave 22,000 Michiganders in Barrett’s district without health coverage, and raise monthly health premiums by nearly $1,200 for a 60-year-old couple in his district. In all, Michigan will see 260,000 lose Medicaid because of the cuts enacted in the Republican Tax Law. 123,000 people in the state of Michigan are at immediate risk of losing some SNAP benefits. Finally, more than 58,000 Michiganders are at risk of losing their jobs because of this law between 2029 and 2030.
"These claims simply don't match the reality of the facts. When it comes to the Republican Tax Law, working class people will be hurt, while the majority of the benefits will go to the ultra-wealthy," said Steve Lawson, Michigan Families for Fair Care Executive Director. "While Rep. Barrett touts benefits for working families, the data shows otherwise. Barrett cannot have it both ways, he can’t claim to serve the working class, while cutting off the lifelines Michiganders, including his constituents need to survive. We urge residents to stay informed about the continued chaos coming from Republicans in Congress as we work to hold those responsible accountable for their votes."
