Republicans Must Protect IRS Program Set To Benefit California Families

California, October 19, 2023 – This week, California, along with 13 other states, was selected to be a part of the IRS’s pilot free Direct File Program, which aims to streamline the tax-filing process for working Americans. 

This program is made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which became law last year. Despite this progress, House Republicans, like Representatives Ken Calvert and John Duarte, are trying to block this and other initiatives that help lower costs for working families. At the same time, House Republicans have repeatedly voted to protect wealthy and corporate tax cheats who don’t pay what they owe. 

Lower Costs California coalition member and Courage California Executive Director, Irene Kao, issued the following statement:

“With this new program, Californians will have an easier time filing taxes and be able to do so for free. It's troubling that House Republicans like Congressmen Calvert and Duarte support measures to block this initiative that will help their constituents. Rep. Calvert and Rep. Duarte should focus their efforts on protecting these vital programs instead of looking out for the wealthy and big corporations."

For media inquiries, please contact Mario Vasquez Zuniga at 661-483-4927 or info@lowercostsca.org.

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Lower Costs California is a coalition of a group of concerned citizens who are holding their elected leaders accountable to make the costs of living fair and affordable a reality for everyday Californians. lowercostsca.org