Arise Citizens’ Policy Project policy director Jim Carnes issued the following statement Friday, Dec. 15, 2017, in response to the release of Congress’ revised tax bill:

“At its core, Congress’ tax plan is a massive giveaway to huge corporations and wealthy people at the expense of working families. This bill is bad for everyday Alabamians, and no amount of tinkering at the edges can change that.

“This bill still will raise taxes on tens of millions of Americans at low and middle incomes, while handing enormous tax breaks to the top 1 percent. It still will leave millions more Americans with no health insurance in exchange for permanent tax cuts for big corporations. And it still will drive up the federal deficit, which congressional leaders have already indicated they will use to justify calls for cutting Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and other vital services next year.

“This tax plan is an ill-conceived rush job, and it’s a raw deal for families across Alabama and across the country. Congress should reject this bill and focus on closing tax loopholes and investing in education, health care, transportation and other services that help struggling families get ahead.”