AAP Thanks Senator McCain for Defense of Consumers and Businesses Joins Senator Flake in Opposition to Border Adjustment Tax

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2017
CONTACT press@KeepAmericaAffordable.com


AAP Thanks Senator McCain for Defense of Consumers and Businesses
Joins Senator Flake in Opposition to Border Adjustment Tax


Phoenix, Arizona – On Thursday, Senator John McCain (R-AZ) joined his colleague Senator Jeff Flake (R-AZ) in raising his voice in opposition to the Border Adjustment Tax (BAT), a component of Speaker Ryan’s tax reform blueprint, which would increase the cost of everyday necessities like food, clothing, medicine, gasoline and more. Following the declaration, local members of Americans for Affordable Products, a national coalition of more than 200 businesses, local organizations and trade associations united to stop the BAT, thanked the Senator for his leadership on the issue.

In his Thursday comments to Politico’s Morning Tax, Senator McCain said, “It'll destroy Arizona's economy. That's my only concern…First thing will happen is that there'll be retaliation. You think the Mexicans are going to sit still for it?" he added, noting that Arizona has a lot of jobs reliant on cross-border trade.

Senator McCain’s comments join Senator Flake’s, who recently derided the Border Adjustment Tax on the Senate floor, stating that BAT “could make everyday consumer products more expensive at the very places that middle-class families shop the most…[and] household staples could be pushed out of reach for those who can least afford it.” He went on to say that he’s looking forward to working with his colleagues on tax reform, “but we ought to make sure that the middle class isn’t in the losing column.”


If passed, the BAT would impose a 20 percent tax on all imported goods, and could result in American consumers spending an additional $1,700 per year on basic necessities.


“Senators McCain and Flake represent a united front in opposition to this tax proposal that would threaten retail jobs throughout the state, which account for 1 in 4 jobs,” said Michelle Ahlmer, executive director of the Arizona Retailers Association. “If a BAT is adopted, many businesses will be forced to raise prices, lay off staff, or close up shop altogether.”


The BAT would be felt immediately in the pocketbooks of middle-class Americans, effectively amounting to a $1 trillion tax that would punish employers, consumers, and the American economy.


Americans for Affordable Products is a coalition of job creators, entrepreneurs, business leaders and consumers united against higher prices on everyday necessities. To learn more, please visit: www.KeepAmericaAffordable.com


Additional Information: * Resources: Coalition Infographic, Myth vs. Fact, and More * Press Release: AAP Launches Opposition to BAT


To schedule an interview with an Americans for Affordable Products representative, please email press@KeepAmericaAffordable.com.

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