What's Up Around the Nation?

 

"Years" Until Tax Reform? Your Choice!

"We can do things, here in this house today, that guarantee a better economy in years to come." – Rep. Rob Woodall

 

In his February 11, 2012 New York Times story, "A Year of Tax-Code Reckoning," author Jonathan Weisman details a worsening political struggle impacting every American taxpayer and the U.S. economy:

"Taxpayers struggling with their 2011 returns can take a little solace in the knowledge that change is coming—though it may be accompanied by increasing tax bills. For two decades, politicians have promised—and failed—to overhaul the tax code to make it simpler and fairer."

The current tax code harms our nation in countless ways and nobody knows this more than hardworking Americans struggling with smaller paychecks and increasing taxes. In fact, "61% favor simpler tax code, but have doubts about flat plans."

"We the People" get it. But do the men and women we send to Congress to represent us? Well, they claim they do.

Senator Orrin Hatch, the ranking Republican member of the Senate Finance Committee told Weisman, "Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives, independents all believe our tax code is broken."

Yet the Secretary of the U.S. Treasury Tim Geithner told the same Senate Finance committee that it would likely take "years" to reform our tax code.

Why? According to Weisman: "...the two political parties remain far apart. Republicans say a simpler code should not bring in more revenue than the current one, except perhaps by spurring economic growth.... Democrats want to preserve the progressivity of the tax code, ensuring that the rich pay a larger share of the total tax bill and that the poor and middle class pay no more...."

There is a tax replacement solution that will satisfy both the Republicans and the Democrats. It increases revenue through spurring economic growth and is voluntarily progressive!

As Americans for Fair Taxation Co-Founder and CEO Leo Linbeck, Jr. advised members of the Congressional "Super" Committee, "the FairTax is the one plan which best fulfills the promise of reform fit for economic recovery in the 21st century. The FairTax did not emerge as a political level; rather, it was developed, researched and funded by American citizens who searched for an improvement to our tax system."

The FairTax is the only tax plan that ensures that everyone pays their fair share in taxes; no exceptions, no exemptions, and no loopholes. Best of all, it’s not just an idea but has actual legislation pending in the House (H.R. 25) and Senate (S. 13)!

So how do we move the most well researched tax reform legislation in history through an uncaring or unwilling Congress? That’s up to you.

Make sure you regularly tell your Representatives that you support replacing our tax code through passage of the FairTax. Make sure they clearly understand that it is important to you that your elected officials also support the FairTax. Did you know that in election years your Representatives are especially sensitive to what you think?

Your communication should include regular calls, letters, emails and Facebook messages. Make sure your voice is heard and heard often!

Thank you!

 

Reprinted from "Fair Tax Fridays" email newsletter of Americans for Fair Taxation. Visit them at www.FairTax.Org.