GOP Having Second Thoughts About Eliminating State and Local Tax Deductions

With a tax overhaul at the top of the Republican agenda, GOP leaders in Congress are having second thoughts about eliminating popular deductions for state and local taxes. One driving factor behind that hesitation? Widespread complaints from New York and New Jersey. 

Local lawmakers have been concerned about preserving the deduction since the idea of cutting it was first floated last year, but the GOP went with it anyway.

Elected officials now worry it could bring down the entire tax bill. There are three dozen Republicans in states with high numbers of taxpayers who take advantage of the deduction. A third of those House members come from New York and New Jersey, and they've been objecting consistently and loudly.

WNYC's Washington correspondent John O'Connor spoke with Richard Hake about the negotiating expected to come as the House aims for a committee vote this month.