Weingarten Urges Voters to Back Working Americans’ Tax Cut Act

American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten urged voters Sunday to elect lawmakers who would pass the Working Americans’ Tax Cut Act, two days before the Nov. 3 federal general election. Weingarten argued that a tax cut for working-class households would help address affordability.

The proposal would let eligible filers compare their regular federal income-tax liability with an alternative calculation and pay the lower amount. The alternative would cap the tax at 25.5% of modified adjusted gross income above a cost-of-living exemption that varies by filing status.

For 2026, the proposed exemptions are $46,000 for single filers, $64,400 for heads of household and $92,000 for married couples filing jointly. To qualify for the alternative calculation, a filer’s income would need to be below 175% of the applicable exemption. That sets eligibility ceilings at about $80,500 for single filers, $112,700 for heads of household and $161,000 for joint filers.

The plan also includes marginal surtax rates of 5%, 10% and 12% across successively higher income brackets. For single filers, the thresholds begin above $1 million, $2 million and $5 million, respectively. The corresponding thresholds for married couples filing jointly are $1.5 million, $3 million and $7.5 million.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen introduced S. 4083 on March 12, and the bill was referred to the Senate Finance Committee. Rep. Don Beyer introduced companion bill H.R. 7937 on March 16, and it was referred to the House Ways and Means Committee. Neither bill’s record lists later action.