| Taxes & Spending |
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I never supported or voted for a tax increase in my 16 years as a Virginia state legislator. I am the only Virginia legislator to file a law suit challenging HB 3202, a 2007 Virginia law which allowed local appointed (unelected) bodies to impose new taxes on home sales, car sales and repairs, vehicle registrations, hotel and car rentals. I voted against this law, which also enacted the abusive driver fees which I opposed, three times. The federal government is in debt $9 Trillion dollars. This unduly burdens our children and grandchildren, our present and future taxpayers. Debt causes inflation which destroys personal savings, and puts the future of our nation in the hands of foreign bankers and politicians over whom we have little or not control. Congress’ own General Accountability Office recently warned: “In 1797, US government spending represented about 2% of the US economy and now represents over 20%.” In our own families, we must strive to live within our means. As responsible citizens we must demand the same of our federal government. Excessive spending by our Congressmen and Senators is wreaking havoc on our economy, and a weakened economy has repercussions on national security. Spending curbs will occur only if citizens become politically active, and choose leaders committed to cut spending. Income Tax Reform Marriage Penalty: In 2001, Congress passed a law to reduce marriage penalty provisions over several years. These provisions expire in 2010. I would support continued elimination of the marriage penalty. Alternative Minimum Tax: The AMT, passed in 1969 to prevent certain high income taxpayers from not paying their fair share of income taxes, did not index the AMT for inflation. As a result, many middle class Americans are paying taxes that were intended for high income Americans who qualified for a multitude of tax loopholes. Large families are especially affected by the AMT. I support indexing the AMT for inflation to be fair. Flat Income Tax: I believe the present income tax system is overly complicated and confusing for most Americans. Those who can afford to hire attorneys can avoid paying higher taxes. While this is legal, it does not seem fair to middle class taxpayers. I favor an across-the-board percentage flat income tax that all over a certain income threshold would pay. Such a proposal will require further study, but I believe a simple, flat tax would go a long way to restoring fairness. Considering that the average wage earner must work around six months simply to make enough money to pay federal, state and local taxes, I am a firm believer is holding the line on taxes and spending and in holding government leaders accountable to voters by requesting record votes, allowing “sunshine” in government, increasing “Freedom of Information,” and in general treating taxpaying citizens as owners of their government and not the other way around. In 2004, I introduced two Resolutions which were passed by the Virginia General Assembly asking Governor Warner for an accounting of what measures were planned or undertaken to implement the 2002 “Wilder Commission on Efficiency and Effectiveness” which identified savings of $750 Million annually without cutting services. Unfortunately, the General Assembly never received an accounting. I have reintroduced these Resolutions in the 2008 Virginia General Assembly Session. I also introduced HB 122 (2006) to make it easier for small businesses to contract with the Commonwealth of Virginia and its local governments. This legislation leveled the playing field for small and moderate companies to compete with the national corporations. This video is very telling in terms of the financial condition our country is in. This video is a wake up call to all citizens to get active and demand the government stop spending all of our money in an imprudent manner. But it is not the end and we will overcome this challenge if we meet it head on which is what I intend to do if you give me the privilege to serve as your next U.S. Senator. |
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