Democrats in key states are criticizing Trump’s substantial overtime tax cut, labeling it a “failure,” even though it has support from the national firefighters’ union.
Bob Brooks, from Nazareth, Pennsylvania, is challenging Republican Rep. Ryan McKenzie for an uncontested seat. As the president of the federal firefighters’ union, he finds himself at odds with the national council. The Democratic side insists his reservations about the tax cuts are more complex, claiming it’s Republicans who are undermining first responders.
The Internal Revenue Service states that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) allows a maximum annual deduction of $12,500 for eligible overtime pay, which fades away for those with a gross income exceeding $150,000 or $300,000 for joint filers.
Brooks, who heads the Pennsylvania Association of Firefighters, criticized OBBB’s rules during a May podcast on “Meidas Touch.” He called out Trump for bringing a supposed firefighter on stage at a rally, saying that most firefighters do not benefit from a tax-free overtime scheme as claimed.
He remarked, “I don’t quite get why they keep pushing false narratives,” emphasizing his long history as a Bethlehem firefighter and union leader.
It’s important to note that the individual Trump introduced was indeed a volunteer firefighter, but he was also a paid police officer, making him eligible for overtime tax exemptions in his other first responder role.
In contrast, the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) has endorsed the Republican stance, supporting the removal of taxes on qualified overtime pay. IAFF President Edward Kelly described the new overtime regulations as a “necessary fix” for their 350,000 members, who often work long hours.
Amidst this, the Fraternal Order of Police has expressed its support for a House proposal aimed at eliminating the overtime tax, claiming it would positively affect law enforcement across the nation.
In response to Brooks’ remarks, a spokesperson mentioned that the Democratic Party has faced significant challenges for over twenty years and acknowledged the difficulties of the job, affirming that first responders deserve to keep more of their earnings.
They highlighted Brooks’ support for “exempting overtime” and “exempting tips,” which is in alignment with McKenzie’s views. Some claim Brooks’ experiences reflect that a portion of firefighters don’t benefit from the said policies, even if the IAFF stands by Trump’s approach.
Brooks himself pointed out that he does not support eliminating tax-free benefits for overtime work.
Additionally, Brooks claimed on his website that he would work to abolish the OBBB to restore funding for SNAP in rural areas hurt by federal policies.
He also accused McKenzie of voting to cut funding for first responders via Community Project Funding Grants, which McKenzie’s campaign refuted.
On the other hand, McKenzie defended his stance, noting that bipartisan decisions led to a clean funding resolution that didn’t include these grants this fiscal year.
Addressing attacks from Brooks, McKenzie characterized him as a fraud, referencing a past court ruling that found Brooks had stolen over $100,000 from his family. He stated, “His recent failures show he’s only looking out for himself.”
Contrarily, McKenzie noted that Brooks is undermining the tax cuts that benefit firefighters and indicated that voters will soon see the truth in this controversy.
Brooks’ website also shows support from the IAFF and key political figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders and Pennsylvania’s Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro.
Fox News Digital has reached out for comments from the IAFF.
