Peter Schorsch
Americans for Prosperity-Florida (AFP-FL) hosted a series of roundtables across North Florida to highlight what it sees as the urgent need to renew the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).
The discussions brought together members of Congress, small-business owners, and local residents who shared how the 2017 tax reform law has benefited their livelihoods — and why allowing it to expire would hurt working families and the economy.
The roundtable discussions in Jacksonville, Tallahassee and Ocala were part of AFP-FL’s “Protect Prosperity” initiative, the organization’s nationwide campaign to preserve key elements of the tax reform law. AFP-FL has established itself as a leading voice in Florida’s policy landscape, championing tax reforms that prioritize hardworking families, entrepreneurs, and long-term economic growth.
“Americans for Prosperity-Florida supports tax policies that empower families, fuel small businesses, and strengthen our economy,” said Skylar Zander, state director for AFP-FL. “Renewing the TCJA is critical to ensuring that Floridians can continue to keep more of what they earn and invest in their futures.”
Renewal of the TCJA is included as part of a larger reconciliation bill under consideration in Washington.
The first event, in Jacksonville, featured U.S. Rep. John Rutherford, who joined community members including Ron Gamble, owner of Veterans United Craft Brewery; Beatrice Lugo, a local head of household; and David Huston, deputy director at Concerned Veterans for America.
“If we don’t pass this reconciliation bill now, what that will mean is a $4.5 trillion increase in taxes for citizens and businesses,” Rutherford said. “That is not acceptable.”
The second roundtable was held in Tallahassee and featured U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn, who emphasized the impact of tax policy on job creation and economic competitiveness.
“Whatever happened to all the productivity in America? All the manufacturing, all the building — it left,” Dunn said. “Why did it leave? We drove it overseas by our taxes. We need everybody to be pushing for this, no matter who your Representative is. You want to put the pressure on them to say, ‘This is really, really important to my business. It’s important to my family.’”
The final roundtable event took place in Ocala. U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack was joined by William Huff, grassroots engagement director for Concerned Veterans for America; Clarence Albert, a local small-business owner; and Sarah Demins, an area resident.
“If these tax cuts did not become permanent law, here in Ocala we would have 98,000 families in this area and the region surrounding — just in our congressional district — 98,000 families that would see their child tax credit deduction slashed in half,” Cammack said.
Through its grassroots outreach and policy advocacy, AFP-FL is working to build momentum behind pro-growth tax reforms and remains a driving force in shaping the conversation around fiscal policy in Florida.
“These roundtables gave everyday Floridians the opportunity to speak directly with their lawmakers about the importance of renewing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” Zander said. “Our goal is to make sure voices from across the state are heard loud and clear in Washington — and we’ll keep working to make that happen.”
