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Drew Ferguson on Tax Reform |
A flat tax is fair--because everyone pays the same rate. It does not punish hard work nor does it reward dependence on taxpayer largess. It is simple. It would allow for the elimination of loopholes and deductions that keep lawyers and government bureaucrats and the IRS from skimming off our national productivity.
I believe it is important for all Americans to have skin in the game. There is no economic incentive to work hard if we make it possible for people to simply vote to take money from others for themselves.
Congressional Summary: This bill imposes a national sales tax in lieu of the current income and corporate income tax, employment taxes, and estate and gift taxes. The rate of the sales tax will be 23% in 2017, with adjustments in subsequent years. U.S. residents receive a monthly sales tax rebate (Family Consumption Allowance) based upon family size and poverty guidelines. No funding is allowed for the operations of the Internal Revenue Service after FY2019. Finally, the FairTax terminates if the 16th Amendment to the Constitution (authorizing an income tax) is not repealed within 7 years.
Supporters reasons for voting YEA: Rep. MORAN: I am all on board on tax reform, but the best solution is not tinkering with the current system; it is an overhaul of the current Tax Code. The FairTax, in my view, brings two goals front and center: to pass on to the next generation of Americans the freedoms and liberties guaranteed by our Constitution, and the opportunity for every American to live the American dream.
Opponents reasons for voting NAY: (by FairTaxWarrior.com):
The Project Vote Smart Voter Guide inferred how candidates would respond to the question, 'Budget: In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?' Project Vote Smart notes, "in response to the increasing unwillingness of candidates to answer issue questions, Project Vote Smart has researched Congressional candidates' public records to determine candidates' likely responses on certain key issues. These issue positions, from the year 2016, are provided [for candidates who] refused to provide voters with positions on key issues covered by the 2016 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests. Historically, candidates have failed to complete our test due to the advice they receive from their parties and advisors and out of fear of negative attack ads."
The Project Vote Smart Voter Guide inferred how candidates would respond to the question, 'Economy: Do you support lowering taxes as a means of promoting economic growth?' Project Vote Smart notes, "in response to the increasing unwillingness of candidates to answer issue questions, Project Vote Smart has researched Congressional candidates' public records to determine candidates' likely responses on certain key issues. These issue positions, from the year 2016, are provided [for candidates who] refused to provide voters with positions on key issues covered by the 2016 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests. Historically, candidates have failed to complete our test due to the advice they receive from their parties and advisors and out of fear of negative attack ads."