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Economy

Democrats’ Tax Cut Plans Are Splintering Progressives

Could new proposals from Sens. Chris Van Hollen and Cory Booker to cut taxes come at the expense of expanding social programs? Progressives don’t agree.

Bernie Sanders AOC

Sen. Bernie Sanders has co-sponsored a bill that would cut taxes on families making under $92,000 and increase taxes on the wealthy. Tom Williams/AP

By Jade Lozada

April 24, 2026 11:17 a.m.

Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, two pillars and allies of the progressive movement, are in disagreement.

Democrats have in recent months proposed a variety of tax cut proposals, seemingly in response to President Donald Trump’s popular “no tax on tips and overtime” policies.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen wants to eliminate income taxes for households earning under $92,000, and Sen. Cory Booker wants to raise the household standard deduction to $75,000. Other tax cut proposals are sweeping gubernatorial races from California to Georgia, like Keisha Lance Bottom’s proposal to exempt public school teachers from state income tax.