Moody: We passed largest tax cut in US history, and Florida is reaping the rewards | Opinion

Before Washington spends a single dollar, an American worker has to earn it.

Earned by a law enforcement officer working overtime. A lineman restoring power after a hurricane. A small-business owner risking everything to build a better future for his family and employees. A retiree who worked a lifetime, paid into the system and now stretches every Social Security check to make ends meet.

That’s the part Washington too often forgets.

There is no such thing as government money. There is only taxpayer money. Government exists because Americans work. And leaders should never forget who earned every single dollar they spend.

Every day I am serving Florida, I remember that.

Throughout my career — as a business lawyer, a prosecutor, a judge, Florida’s attorney general and now as a United States senator — I’ve had the privilege of serving hardworking Americans who keep this country running. They don’t ask government for much. They ask for safe communities, a fair shot and the opportunity to keep more of what they earn.

One year ago, Republicans answered that call by passing the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. Championing the largest tax cut in U.S. history through the Senate is one of my proudest accomplishments.

Nearly half of all taxpayers filing so far have claimed at least one of the law’s new tax cuts. Nearly 20 million Americans have claimed the “No Tax on Overtime” deduction. More than 4.6 million workers have benefited from “No Tax on Tips.” Average tax refunds are up nearly 11%, exceeding $3,700. Floridians saw the largest tax refunds of any state in the nation. More than 40 million families have benefited from the enhanced Child Tax Credit and more than 5.5 million child investment accounts have already been opened, investing in the next generation of American opportunity.

The law didn’t just reward work. It strengthened families.

Here in Florida, these dollars are helping Floridians buy groceries, pay mortgages, replace worn tires, save for college and breathe a little easier. That’s exactly what happens when government trusts the American people to make decisions for themselves instead of taking more of what they’ve earned.

As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, we’re reminded that America was founded on this revolutionary idea: Government exists to serve the people, not the other way around.

The Working Families Tax Cuts Act reflects that same principle, starting with the simple premise that the fruits of your labor belong first to you and your family — and not to Washington. It’s a return to the very principles that gave birth to this nation.

One year ago, the Working Families Tax Cuts Act sent millions of hardworking Americans a message they hadn’t heard in a very long time.

We see you. We see your hard work. We see your sacrifice.

And you’ve earned the right to keep more of what you’ve earned.

I was proud to champion this historic legislation because I believe the American taxpayer should never again come second to Washington. And I’ll continue fighting every day to make sure they don’t.

The American worker built the strongest nation on Earth. It’s about time Washington started acting like it.

Ashley Moody is a U.S. senator from Florida. She was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in January 2025 and is running for election in November.