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This past week in Washington there has been much talk about the economy. It
seems by their actions the leadership and the Fed is finally willing to admit
we have a problem, and we need to do something about the economic mess we are
in. This is a good thing. However, they are still not being honest
about the root cause of our impending crisis and want to deal only with symptoms,
not the disease.
There are some positive aspects of the highly lauded economic stimulus package
that has been negotiated. I am in favor of taxpayers getting some of
their money back, however temporary tax cuts and one-time rebates will not "fix" the
economy. What we desperately need right now is real deep significant
tax cuts that are enabled by big spending cuts and reduction of government
waste that is so rampant. Unfortunately, too many in Washington still
believe we can spend our way into prosperity, which does not work and never
has.
Countries build wealth through robust economic environments, in which jobs
are created and businesses can operate at a profit and grow. When taxes
bleed away profits and burdensome regulation hamstrings operations, our businesses
and our jobs go overseas. The United States must foster a competitive
business environment once again.
There are a few ideas out there for economic stimulus that I do support, such
as making permanent President Bush's tax cuts. I have also
signed on as one of 49 original cosponsors of the Economic Growth Act of
2008 which will provide actual economic stimulus through private sector
tax relief and job-creating business incentives. This plan features
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Full immediate expensing
for major business asset investments
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Reducing the top corporate
tax rate from 35% to 25% to be aligned with average rates in Europe
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Indexing the capital gains
tax for inflation
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Cutting and simplifying
the corporate capital gains rate
Enactment of these dramatic tax cuts will free up money so employers
can start hiring again. I would like for the unemployed to have the
satisfaction of having a job again so the standard of living of the American
family will go up. And even more than a one-time miniscule rebate check,
I want you to keep more of your own money in the first place.
Sending out checks and cutting interest rates yet again is merely a shot in
the arm when in actuality, the economy needs major surgery. I look forward
to working with my colleagues in Congress to provide major tax relief to the
American people.
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