President speaks on tax law at New York event with Republican congressman

The president spoke at Rockland Community College in New York on Friday about tax legislation passed last year. The appearance took place in a congressional district viewed as competitive for the November election. The president described provisions of the tax law, including changes to the state and local tax deduction.

The president said the measure quadrupled the deduction limit and raised average tax refunds for New York residents above $3,800.

Event details Republican Rep. Mike Lawler joined the president onstage.

Lawler said more than 90 percent of residents in the district could fully deduct state and local taxes under the updated rules. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman also attended. The president described both officials as candidates who could address local issues if elected.

Political context Lawler faces a Democratic primary on June 23 and a general election in November. Five Democrats are seeking the nomination to oppose him. The White House has scheduled additional events to highlight the tax law as approval ratings on economic issues have declined, according to a recent AP-NORC poll.

Lawler said more than 5,000 people registered for the event within 12 hours of the sign-up opening.