Thompson Talks Taxes
Statement
Thompson Talks Taxes
Glenn Thompson, candidate for Congress in Pennsylvania's Fifth District, took the opportunity at an appearance in Franklin, Pennsylvania on Friday, September 12, to elaborate on his position regarding federal tax policy.
"I am a strong supporter of what some call the Bush tax cuts, but which I prefer to call our tax cuts - because I believe that what we earn is ours and that the ultimate goal of government should be to give people the chance to keep as much as possible of the money they earn."
"In the aftermath of the attacks on September 11, 2001, most economists expected the United States to lapse into serious recession, if not outright depression - and no wonder. Our financial center had been badly damaged and we were left with immense bills over the months to come, as we tried to cope with the imminent threat of terrorism."
"But instead, we saw growth and expansion. I credit two things for this. One is the undying persistence and simple hard work of the average American. The other is the help provided by the so-called Bush tax cuts. Put simply, they were exactly what we needed."
"When Senator Obama speaks of repeal, I am concerned, because the specter of big government frightens me, and because I believe we need lower tax rates now more than ever, to keep our economy moving in the face of new and unprecedented challenges."
"I am also concerned that Senator Obama, like so many in Washington, see government with blinders on - federal taxes do not take place in a vacuum. When the federal government cut taxes, an unfortunate number of states and localities saw it as an opportunity to increase fees and taxes at their level. Remember, in Pennsylvania, the state income tax alone was increased by almost ten percent. We know too well how property taxes have increased in the same period."
"If those tax cuts are repealed, it will not be a simple return to conditions eight years ago; it will be high federal tax rates combined with record high taxes at the state and local level. Americans cannot afford this."
"That is why I am pledged to support making those tax cuts permanent, and I am also pledged to support efforts to take into account all levels of taxation, including government imposed fees, when we discuss Washington tax policy. I believe that we deserve better government, not higher taxes."
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