OPPOSING TAX INCREASES, SUPPORTING TAX CUTS

By Craig Williams

The American people need to be allowed to keep more of their hard-earned money

This year, Congress adopted a budget, which was approved by the House of Representatives, that will increase federal government spending through a $683 billion tax increase that includes reinstituting the marriage penalty tax, slashing the per child tax credit, and increasing income tax rates. During debate on the bill, Demcorats also voted against a moratorium on Congressional earmarks.

Failure to extend these tax cuts will result in the single largest tax increase in the history of the country. The tax increases Joe Sestak approved in this budget are projected to increase taxes by an average of $2,796 per taxpayer in the Seventh Congressional District. Married couples will see the marriage tax penalty return, families will see their per child tax deduction reduced and low and middle income families will see their income tax rates increase. I will stand up and fight for lower taxes, while Joe Sestak has made it clear that his priority is increased federal spending."

It is sad that some Members of Congress believe that funding wasteful federal programs is more important than helping our community through an economic crisis. If they would take the time to study the issue, they would see that this vote to increase taxes was another crushing blow to middle class families who are facing ever increasing gasoline prices, home heating bills and grocery bills"

Analysis of the Democrat budget resolution by The Heritage Foundation, a Washington, DC based public policy institute, shows that the tax increases that would be imposed on residents of the 7th Congressional District are the third highest of all Pennsylvania Congressional Districts. In addition to the $2,796 per taxpayer increase, the budget resolution is also projected to result in the loss of 2,216 jobs in the Seventh District, a per capita personal income loss of $1,662, and a $303 million loss to the local economy.

With the support of voters, I will seek to permanently extend the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts and will oppose all new tax increases.

As a signer of the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, I will oppose any and all efforts to increase the marginal income tax rates for individuals and/or businesses; and oppose any net reduction or elimination of deductions and credits, unless matched dollar for dollar by further reducing tax rates. A copy of the pledge and a list of signers is available from the Americans for Tax Reform website at http://www.atr.org.