From Servers to First Responders: Floridians See Real Relief from Working Families Tax Cuts
DORAL, FL – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart, Dean of the Florida Delegation, and House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain hosted a roundtable last week with working moms, small business owners, and tax professionals to discuss how the Working Families Tax Cuts are delivering real relief for families and workers during the 2026 tax season.
Rep. Díaz-Balart, Chairwoman McClain Highlight Tax Relief as Families See Bigger Refunds During the 2026 Tax Season
Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart said, “I was grateful to be joined by House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain, who has been a strong leader in ensuring Americans across our country understand and benefit from the many tax relief provisions included in the Working Families Tax Cuts.
I was especially pleased to welcome her to Sergio’s restaurant in Doral, in Florida’s 26th Congressional District, where we had the opportunity to hear directly from my constituents — from working parents, entrepreneurs, UBER and DoorDash drivers, and local tax professionals — about how these policies are making a difference during tax season. These hardworking Americans are already seeing the benefits of the tax relief passed last year by House Republicans and signed into law by President Trump.
I also wanted to thank Carlos Gazitua for his hospitality and leadership and for bringing together such an outstanding group from our community.”
Chairwoman Lisa McClain said, “Across the country, we’re seeing the real people who benefit from these policies – hardworking Americans keeping more of what they earn. In Miami, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart has been a steady leader, fighting to put money back where it belongs: in the pockets of families, small businesses, and workers. It’s been extremely helpful to hear directly from Congressman Diaz-Balart’s constituents about how these tax cuts are helping their businesses grow, their families, thrive, and their communities succeed.”
Watch Rep. Díaz-Balart's opening remarks here.
Watch Chairwoman McClain's opening remarks here.
During the roundtable, Floridians shared how the Working Families Tax Cuts are delivering tangible benefits for their families, businesses, and communities.
NO TAX ON TIPS
Bob Mitchell, Uber Driver said: “I've been doing Uber for 11 years…And I have to say, with the new tax cuts and everything and the savings on tips, it's been amazing. Just on my IRS, my income tax I got back this year, I've saved over 20% more than last year. … What's so impressive about this whole thing, the bill, it wasn't like you had touched on before—it doesn't affect you guys. It doesn't affect the President…It affects us. The working people, the people who day in and day out go out there. And I can tell you this, people I have picked up since this has all gone into effect, those in the service industry, bartenders and servers, they've also said they appreciate so much what the government has done with this bill. And they feel it, they've seen a difference, too, on their taxes.”
Watch his full testimony:
Nikki Trevino, Florida DoorDash Driver said: “In 2020, I had a surgery—a surgery that resulted in a permanent disability. Many traditional jobs aren't possible for me anymore. Dashing has truly been a godsend, and it's one of the few types of work I can do because I'm able to choose when I work...I know that being able to keep more of my hard-earned tips is going to make a meaningful impact. Those savings will go directly toward helping my 17-year-old daughter who is preparing to start college, and any parent knows every extra dollar matters. No Tax on Tips recognizes the hard work of people like me—people who earn tips not as a bonus, but as essential income.”
Watch her full testimony:
Ilenai Rodríguez, Waitress said: “It’s extra savings that comes back to us. Most of our income comes from tips…so not having to pay taxes on those tips means important savings at the end of the year.”
Watch her full testimony (Spanish):
NO TAX ON OVERTIME
Chief Matthew Castillo, City of Miami Springs Police, said: “Public safety relies heavily on three important factors: one is recruitment, two is morale, and three is retention, which rely heavily as far as my job is concerned. And the No Tax on Overtime provision directly impacts these three aspects. In policing, overtime isn't really a luxury. Sometimes it's necessary to keep our community safe. These officers working those extra hours, unfortunately, a lot of their pay disappears due to taxes, and the rate goes up and you get put in a higher tax bracket. This provision actually ensures that our officers are able to take home more of their pay so they could better provide for their families.”
Watch his full testimony:
Lt. Albert Vargas, City of Miami Springs Police, said: “When it comes to overtime in law enforcement, a lot of times it's not optional. It's mandatory. We have manpower shortages and we have a lot of different things going on that the overtime is mandatory…These officers that work this overtime, they're able to keep some of that money for their family. We think it's a huge benefit for our department and all the first responders…we appreciate the support that Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart and the House Republicans give us on a daily basis.”
Stephen G. Bussé, Metro-Dade Firefighter, said: “In our line of work, overtime is not a choice; it is a necessity. No matter what happens when that bell goes off, there needs to be a professional firefighter in that seat running that call and answering the community. Thanks to this federal tax relief for overtime, the extra hours we have been putting in away from our families at the fire or police station are finally being respected. This was actually the first year that I have seen the largest tax refund in my entire career.”
Watch his full testimony:
CHILD TAX CREDIT EXPANSION, TRUMP ACCOUNTS, STANDARD DEDUCTION
Adriana McLamb, Marketing Director of the Independent Women’s Forum, said: “I feel the effects with a growing boy who I feel every single day I have to buy new-sized diapers, new-sized shoes, and more food. He eats more than the FIU football team, it feels like. Those costs grow as they get older… with more money in my pocket, I'm able to do what I can for my son and my growing family. But it's not just that portion also; it's the expansion of 529 and the standard deduction. All of those are really felt as a new mom.”
Watch her full testimony:
Maria M. Negron-Gonzales, a realtor from Hialeah, Florida, said: “I used that extra money to put [my son] in SAT tutoring… I really want to thank you for thinking of parents, and even a little bit goes a long way. I honestly got more money back.”
Watch her full testimony:
Carlos Gazitua, CEO of Sergio’s Restaurants, said: “This is going to be our first full year of the tax policy, and we already opened up a restaurant, took the bonus depreciation, and hired over 60 employees this year. We already have plans for the next project that is going to hire another 15 people. We're spending over $3 million already in six or seven months… the bonus depreciation and business tax deductions give small business owners the confidence to invest. That confidence has a trickle effect; we have to hire more employees, and when we hire more employees, we have to pay more because we have to compete against other small businesses. That's the way it works in our local economy. The more money that our hardworking servers keep from their taxes and their tips, the more they get to put that money into their families.”
Watch his full testimony:
Andrei Stern, Owner at SuViche Hospitality, said: “In our experience, it has really helped our team with retention. It has helped our team have more money in their pockets, which means they have more money to spend in local businesses and grow the economy. It has also let them have more time with their families. We have had team members who used to have multiple jobs, and because of the savings they have from no tax on tips and no tax on overtime, they can now have one job and spend more time at home.”
Watch his full testimony:
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