Dozens of progressive organizations gathered in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday to advocate for “tax justice” as Congress prepares to overhaul the tax code in 2025.

Fair Share America, a coalition of state and national advocates, called on lawmakers to increase the corporate tax rate and ensure that individuals earning over $400,000 contribute their fair share.

Organizers from 20 states engaged with lawmakers, delivering testimony in the Senate and holding discussions on Capitol Hill.

Kristen Crowell, executive director of the coalition, emphasized the significance of grassroots mobilization. She stated that their presence in Washington aimed to hold representatives accountable and combat perceived inequities in the tax system at the local level.

Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado addressed the crowd, asserting their influence as a counterbalance to special interests in the Capitol. He described the event as a prelude to an essential struggle for tax fairness in the United States.

Representative Lloyd Doggett of Texas, a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, echoed these sentiments, referring to the challenges ahead as the “Super Bowl of taxes.”

Among the advocacy groups present, 61 organizations focused on caregiving urged lawmakers to use revenue from increased taxes on the wealthy to enhance funding for childcare and support for the elderly and disabled.

Ai-jen Poo, president of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, highlighted the critical nature of tax reform in her testimony before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Policy.

The Care Can’t Wait coalition submitted a letter to Congress advocating for tax code changes that would bolster public investments in early education, family leave, and caregiving support, stressing the importance of equitable contributions from affluent individuals and corporations.

This mobilization occurs amidst campaign rhetoric from Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, both of whom are addressing tax issues as they vie for public support leading up to the November presidential election.

At a rally in Long Island, Trump proclaimed plans to eliminate the $10,000 cap on the state and local tax deduction (SALT), a provision originally from his 2017 tax reform that is set to expire in 2025. His comments indicated a broader shift in his campaign strategy.

High-income taxpayers primarily benefit from a full SALT deduction, with a significant concentration of beneficiaries residing in states like California and New York.

Previously, Trump had focused on extending his 2017 tax cuts beyond 2025, proposing further reductions in the corporate tax rate. Analysts warn that such extensions could add trillions to the national deficit over the next decade.

On the other side, Harris’ platform includes making the expanded child tax credit permanent and introducing a new tax credit for parents, aligning with President Biden’s commitment to not raise taxes on those earning less than $400,000 annually.

At a recent event, Harris reiterated ambitious goals for affordable childcare and healthcare, underscoring their potential to boost the wider economy. Advocacy groups, including the National Women’s Law Center Action Fund, praised her proposals as transformative for families.

In addition to her plans to raise the corporate tax rate, Harris aims to abolish taxes on tips and offer substantial deductions for first-time homebuyers and small business start-ups.

Representatives from various states, including Arizona and Pennsylvania, highlighted a national commitment from advocates across the country to ensure tax reform aligns with broader social equity goals.

Jennifer Shutt contributed to this report.