The Main Street Tax Initiative

The National Urban League is calling for a bold reimagining of the U.S. tax system—one that puts Main Street before Wall Street and delivers lasting economic growth opportunities to the people and communities that need it most.

As Congress prepares for a high-stakes debate on the expiration of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the National Urban League introduces the Main Street Tax Initiative—a ten-point equity-centered plan to correct historic tax inequities, close the racial wealth gap, and fuel economic mobility for low- and moderate-income Americans.

Key Reforms Include:

Direct tax cuts and fully refundable credits for workers and families earning under $100,000
Permanently expanded Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Restoration of the full State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction
Expanded support for affordable housing and new home construction
A “Fair Deal for America Tax” on billionaires to rebalance the tax burden
Incentives for small business growth and investment in underserved communities

Why It Matters

Today’s tax code rewards wealth over work. High-income households and corporations continue to benefit from structural advantages, while everyday Americans shoulder the heaviest tax burden. This initiative presents a path to fairness—fueling job creation, housing access, wealth-building, and community revitalization nationwide.