Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) has written an opinion piece in the San Angelo Standard-Times discussing the impact of a new tax legislation package, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Pfluger describes this bill as the largest Working Families Tax Cut package in American history and says it brings significant benefits to Texans.
According to Pfluger, “Republicans in Congress, alongside President Trump, delivered a transformative piece of legislation last month on America’s 249th anniversary. I refer, of course, to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act – the largest Working Families Tax Cut package in American history.”
He emphasizes his belief that Americans should have lower taxes and less government involvement. “I am of the camp that Americans deserve lower taxes and less government in their lives, and at the heart of the Working Families Tax Cut are critical tax reforms that deliver on that belief. This bill is a massive win for hardworking Texans and will help foster an economy that is pro-growth, pro-worker, pro-family, pro-business, and pro-energy,” he wrote.
A key part of the bill is making permanent the 2017 Trump tax cuts. Pfluger states: “Arguably, the most impactful victory of this bill is the permanent extension of the 2017 Trump tax cuts. Without this, over 475,000 taxpayers in Texas’s 11th Congressional District would have faced a devastating 26% tax increase – the largest in American history. This alone protects middle-class families, small businesses, and workers from a crushing financial blow, but it doesn’t stop there.”
The congressman notes changes affecting seniors: “Seniors in Texas, 88% of whom receive Social Security benefits, will now pay zero taxes on those benefits.” He also highlights exemptions for hourly workers: “Hourly workers will also keep more of what they earn, with overtime pay, tips, and even interest on car loans for new American-made vehicles being exempt from taxation up to generous limits. This will put thousands of dollars back in the pockets of hardworking Texans.”
Families are set to benefit from an expanded Child Tax Credit: “Families will see additional support through an expanded Child Tax Credit of up to $2,200 per child,” said Pfluger. The Adoption Tax Credit has also been improved: “For Texans looking to grow their family through adoption, this bill improves the Adoption Tax Credit by making up to $5,000 of it refundable – easing the financial burden that can unfortunately prevent families from adopting.”
The legislation introduces Trump Savings Accounts: “To help parents plan ahead and start saving early for their children’s future, this bill also establishes Trump Savings Accounts. These accounts will allow parents, family members or employers to contribute up to $5,000 annually. These funds can later be used for educational opportunities, home ownership and other essential life investments.”
School choice is another focus area: “This legislation also supports school choice by encouraging donations to scholarship funds which will expand educational opportunities for every child in Texas regardless of their ZIP code.”
Rural communities may benefit from a higher death tax exemption: “A higher death tax exemption ensures that more than two million family farms nationwide are protected from crippling double taxation that far too often forces families to sell land when passed from one generation to another,” according to Pfluger.
Business owners stand to gain as well: “Texas businesses and energy producers win big too. This bill makes the 199A small business deduction permanent at 20%, which is a vital lifeline for Texas entrepreneurs… It also broadens tax breaks for research and equipment purchases…”
The repeal of certain federal subsidies is included: “Additionally,” writes Pfluger,“the Biden Administration’s ‘Green New Scam’ tax credits totaling $500 billion will be repealed… This legislation also eliminates the natural gas tax – delivering certainty to American energy producers…”
Pfluger concludes by addressing public concerns about misinformation regarding these changes.“With all misinformation circulating it is imperative to separate fact from fiction.The Working Families Tax Cut is a clear response to what American people demanded in November: rein in wasteful spending,grow economy,and make life genuinely affordable again.Nothing is perfect,but this legislation delivers historic,tangible wins for Texans.I am excited about this bill,and all Texas-11 should be too.”
August Pfluger has served as U.S. Representative for Texas’s 11th District since replacing Mike Conaway in 2021.
