Rep. Noem: Tax Reform 'Life Changing' for Many Families

Tax reform will help American families by putting much-needed money back in their households, but there are some areas that are still under discussion between lawmakers on the matter, Rep. Kristi Noem, R-S.D., said Thursday.

"We've had 12 formal hearings in Ways and Means as well on different tax proposals, and we believe it will at least put $1,000 in the average family's pockets," Noem, a member of the Ways and Means Committee, told MSNBC's "Morning Joe."

"In my home state of South Dakota, it could be a $1,200 to $1,400 tax cut, plus their wages would increase almost $4,000 per household."

She noted her state's average household income is $54,000, but residents pay double the national average in energy costs to heat their homes.

"If you put that kind of money in people's pockets, that's life changing," Roem said. "That's what we're focused on, is what is going to benefit folks. Being a farmer and rancher myself, a small business owner, and a mom, I know the experience I've had in my life is the insight we need."

Roem said lawmakers in conference are working on blending the House and Senate tax plans to makes sure they remain focused on low and middle income Americans.

"We know the status quo isn't acceptable, and we know we weren't called here to just change the tax code, that we actually have to fix it," Roem said. "What we're working on is making sure we lower rates for folks, keep more money in their pockets, grow the economy and make sure we're pushing those benefits to those everyday Americans who work so hard that need their paychecks."

There is already a great deal of agreement between the plans, she continued, but lawmakers will try to find agreement on different income levels and brackets, as well as finding a solution for highly taxed states to find a provision that will allow leaving some exemptions intact.

• Grassley Takes Tax Bill Conference Diss to Trump
• Schumer at Odds With Some Dems Over DACA Strategy