Rep. Shomari Figures Slams GOP Tax & Spending Package as Gift to the Wealthy
Condemns OBBB as tax giveaway for wealthy
U.S. Representative Shomari C. Figures (D‑AL2) spoke out against the GOP’s just-passed “One, Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB), condemning it as a tax giveaway for the wealthy that shifts costs onto struggling families and state budgets.
Figures, who voted “no” on the package, highlighted the stark imbalance. “This bill is nothing more than a handout for the rich,” Figures said. “Under this bill, on average, if you make $1 million, you get at least a $80,000 tax break each year. That's nearly three times the median income in Alabama. If you make $50,000, on average, you get less than $250. Republicans claim they are the party of fiscal responsibility, but this bill adds trillions to our debt. If we are going to spend more money, it should be to help Americans across the country keep a roof over their heads, clothes on their backs, and food on their tables. It should be to give tax breaks to teachers and school personnel, nurses, social workers, law enforcement, firefighters, first responders, and everyday people. Instead, Republicans have abandoned the people who need help the most. This bill is bad for Alabama, bad for America, and there is nothing beautiful about it.”
In addition to his “no” vote, Figures introduced an amendment to stop the plan from making States pay more for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). He warned the legislation would raise Alabama’s SNAP bill by about $120 million — roughly a 30 percent increase — putting one in four households that rely on the program in jeopardy. Republican leadership chose not to allow the amendment to be considered.
Figures’ statement adds to mounting criticism of the OBBB, especially concerning its deep cuts to Medicaid and SNAP. Advocacy group Alabama Arise cautioned the shift could cost the state over $258 million, including administrative expenses.
Figures represents Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District, where median income hovers around $30,000 and roughly 25 percent of households depend on SNAP. His criticism underscores not just the stark partisan divide over the OBBB, but also the local stakes behind what supporters tout as the largest tax cut package in recent memory.
