Jessica is a Federal Policy Analyst who supports ITEP with research and analysis of progressive tax priorities. Prior to joining ITEP in 2025, Jessica worked for the Center for American Progress, where she researched federal tax and budget policies. She graduated from Middlebury College with a degree in International Politics and Economics.
Recent Publications
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The Washington Post Is Wrong: Many Rich Americans Are Not Paying Their Fair Share
April 30, 2026 • By Jessica Vela
Bezos' hand-picked editorial board argues that our tax code does not need to be more progressive because the share of federal income tax paid by the rich already exceeds their share of income. This is grossly misleading for at least two reasons.
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There Were Far Cheaper and Fairer Options Than the Trump Megabill
July 8, 2025 • By Jessica Vela, Joe Hughes, Steve Wamhoff
Congress and the president could have spent less than half that much money on a tax bill that does more for working-class and middle-class households.
Recent Media Mentions
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CNBC: Jeff Bezos Says Bottom Half of Earners Should Pay Zero in Income Taxes
May 21, 2026 • By Jessica Vela
Amazon Executive Chairman Jeff Bezos on Wednesday called for zero federal income taxes on the bottom half of earners.
