Rick Lazio on Tax Reform

Former Republican/Conservative Representative (NY-2)

Supports a “significant tax cut”

He supported a “significant tax cut”, though he stopped short of endorsing the one supported b George W. Bush. He also said he was open to allowing some private investment of Social Security funds. Source: New York Times, p. A19 May 22, 2000

Limit tax burden: 38% is too high

Each year, the average American family pays 38% of its income in taxes, more than the combined costs of food, clothing and shelter. Last year, federal taxes consumed more than 20% of national production (GDP). Not since World War II has the burden on the American worker been so high. Federal income taxes have grown more than 70% during the Clinton/Gore administration. The need for strong efforts to limit these burden is self evident. Source: Issues Briefing, www.lazio.com May 4, 2000

Marriage is sacred event, not a taxable event

There are thousands paying more in taxes because they are married. Now they can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they will be able to keep more of their hard-earned money. This savings can be used for a new washing machine, a home computer or to help out with the car payments. Marriage is sacred event, not a taxable event These men and women went to the altar and said ‘I do’ to a lifetime of love and devotion - not higher taxes. I wholeheartedly support getting rid of this immoral tax. Source: Press Release; by Heather O’Farrell Feb 10, 2000

Voted YES on eliminating the "marriage penalty".

Vote on a bill that would reduce taxes for married couple by approximately $195 billion over 10 years by removing provisions that make taxes for married couples higher than those for two single people. The bill is identical to HR 6 that was passed by the House in February, 2000. Reference: Bill sponsored by Archer, R-TX; Bill HR 4810 ; vote number 2000-392 on Jul 12, 2000

Voted YES on $46 billion in tax cuts for small business.

Provide an estimated $46 billion in tax cuts over five years. Raise the minimum wage by $1 an hour over two years. Reduce estate and gift taxes, grant a full deduction on health insurance for self-employed individuals, increase the deductible percentage of business meal expenses to 60 percent in 2002, and designate 15 renewal communities in urban rural areas. Reference: Bill sponsored by Lazio, R-NY; Bill HR 3081 ; vote number 2000-41 on Mar 9, 2000

Repeal marriage tax; cut middle class taxes.

Lazio signed the Contract with America:

[As part of the Contract with America, within 100 days we pledge to bring to the House Floor the following bill]:

The American Dream Restoration Act:
A $500-per-child tax credit, begin repeal of the marriage tax penalty, and creation of American Dream Savings Accounts to provide middle-class tax relief.

Source: Contract with America 93-CWA7 on Sep 27, 1994

Click here for definitions & background information on Tax Reform. Click here for a profile of Rick Lazio. Click here for HouseMatch answers by Rick Lazio. Agree? Disagree? Voice your opinions on Tax Reform in The Forum. Click here for a summary of Rick Lazio's positions on all issues. Click here for issue positions of other NY politicians. Profile
*Other candidates on Tax Reform:*		*Rick Lazio on other issues:*
*NY Gubernatorial:* David Paterson *NY Senatorial:* Charles Schumer Hillary Clinton Democratic retirements & special elections: D,AL-5:Cramer D,CA-12:Lantos D,CO-2:Udall D,IN-7:Carson D,NY-21:McNulty D,ME-1:Allen D,MD-4:Wynn D,NM-3:Udall D,OR-5:Hooley *Republican special elections:* R,IL-14:Hastert R,LA-1:Jindal R,LA-6:Baker R,MS-1:Wicker R,OH-5:Gillmor	*Republican retirements:* R,AL-2:Everett R,AZ-1:Renzi R,CA-4:Doolittle R,CA-52:Hunter R,CO-6:Tancredo R,FL-15:Weldon R,IL-11:Weller R,IL-18:LaHood R,KY-2:Lewis R,LA-4:McCrery R,MD-1:Gilchrest R,MN-3:Ramstad R,MO-9:Hulshof R,MS-3:Pickering R,NJ-3:Saxton R,NJ-7:Ferguson R,NM-1:Wilson R,NM-2:Pearce R,NY-13:Fossella R,NY-25:Walsh R,NY-26:Reynolds R,OH-7:Hobson R,OH-15:Pryce R,OH-16:Regula R,PA-5:Peterson R,VA-11:Davis R,WY-0:Cubin	Abortion Budget/Economy Civil Rights Corporations Crime Drugs Education Energy/Oil Environment Families/Children Foreign Policy Free Trade Govt. Reform Gun Control Health Care Homeland Security Immigration Infrastructure/Technology Jobs Principles/Values Social Security Tax Reform War/Iraq/Mideast Welfare/Poverty

Page last updated: Sep 18, 2008