Tim Pawlenty on Tax Reform Republican MN Governor

Bush tax cuts should have been permanent in the first place

A: Senator Obama is for dramatically increasing taxes. And Senator McCain doesn't believe that's the way to grow the economy. Obama's proposals include lifting the cap on Social Security taxes, in terms of income levels; not addressing the AMT very fully. He wants to boost capital gains taxes from 15% to almost double that.

Q: You don't have a problem with allowing the Bush tax cuts that were implemented in 2001 and 2003 being made permanent, all of the Bush tax cuts, the estate tax plus the tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, including billionaires?

A: They should have been permanent in the first place. The fact that we're even having the debate, I think, is silly. But now that they're going to expire, I think they should continue.

Supports Single Sales Tax Reform

• Opposed tax increases that would have stunted job growth in Minnesota.
• Proposed and signed Single Sales Tax Reform, a fairer tax formula that encourages employers to make investments in Minnesota.