Friday, October 03, 2014

Billy Long: We need to reform our nation's broken tax code

(From Seventh District Congressman Billy Long)
While many, including the president, suggest tax increases are needed to solve our nation’s deficit problem, I completely reject this notion.

I support a Balanced Budget Amendment that would limit the government from spending more than it takes in or to tax the American people beyond a fixed percentage of the Gross Domestic Product. I also cosponsor many other tax reform bills that aim to solve what I firmly believe are the downfalls of our current tax structure.

The Federal tax burden imposed on my former business and my family was one of the reasons I ran for Congress. Our tax code has become too complex and contains too many opportunities for outcomes which defy common sense. Many folks will not even try to file tax forms without consulting an accountant, an attorney or both. When complying with our own nation’s tax laws requires expensive professional help, something is seriously wrong.

That is why I am proud to be a co-sponsor of the Fair Tax, which proposes a consumption-based tax while repealing the income tax, employment tax, and estate and gift tax. A consumption-based tax will catch elements of the “underground economy” which currently do not pay taxes while significantly reducing the cost of doing business. Such measures will result in lower prices for consumers and, most importantly, individuals and families will not have to file taxes each year. Eliminating the Internal Revenue Service and personal income taxes would be huge steps toward a fair system, while the elimination of all of the various loopholes will guarantee uniformity across the board. Allowing wage and salary earners to keep more of their hard-earned dollars will do far more to grow our economy than any government program.

I also believe that the start-up and growth of small businesses is a crucial component of our economy’s success. Small businesses are a key source of innovation. As a former small businessman for over 30 years, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities that small businesses have as they struggle to compete in today’s economy. I will continue to support actions which reduce taxes and regulations on small businesses so they can focus on providing jobs and valuable services to the American people.

We need to reform our nation’s broken tax code to allow people to keep more of their hard-earned money and provide relief to small businesses who are the nation’s number one job creator.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Doing this means that a middle income family that usually gets a refund will not get one, and, because they tend to spend their monthly income, they will pay taxes on all purchases.

As for the wealthy, they always accumulate mire money, so they never spend what Income they receive, therefore, the major tac burden will be transferred to the low and middle class......

Hmm, Billy, sounds like your a used car salesman, AGAIN!!

Anonymous said...

Why did you people reelect this Idiot when you already knew he was dumber than a mud fence? He votes against an increase in Minimum Wage and Equal Pay for Women which will spur consumerism and then wants to tax burden to fall upon those very people who are already struggling. This will kill the automobile sales which is the major driving force behind our consumer economy. Boss Hogg has a fat head to go with his fat body. But hell, don't worry about your Government because ole Fed Up is up in Washington and he will solve all your problems just as soon as he finishes finding the rest rooms.