Maryland to Sue Trump Admin. over Federal Tax Law

What’s the story?

Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh (D) is suing the Trump administration, arguing the recently-passed tax law’s $10,000 cap on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction is unconstitutional.

The other high-tax states joining the lawsuit would be Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York.

Why does it matter?

As the Baltimore Sun explained, with the SALT "cap in place, 554,000 Maryland residents will lose an average of $11,800 in deductions, according to a recent report from the Maryland comptroller."

In a news release, Frosh stated:

"By eliminating the SALT deductions, Trump’s tax bill will jack up taxes for more than half a million Marylanders. It is an attack on state sovereignty and an attempt to cripple our ability to educate our kids, protect the Chesapeake Bay, and build the infrastructure that Maryland needs to be competitive in the world economy."

Republican Gov. Larry Hogan told reporters that the state AG had not discussed the lawsuit with him. (Following the election of Donald Trump, the state legislature granted the AG broad authority to take legal action against the federal government.)

"I have no idea what the legality of that is," Hogan said. “I don’t think it has much of a chance.”

What do you think?

Is the SALT cap an "attack on state sovereignty"? Or do you support the move? Hit Take Action and tell your reps, then share your thoughts below.

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—Josh Herman

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(Photo Credit: eyegelb / iStock)