Newsletter

Statement

Developing Fourth Avenue

On Wednesday, August 10, 2011, a representative from my district office attended a meeting about the future of Fourth Avenue held by Borough President Marty Markowitz. Extending from the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to the Williamsburg Savings Bank building, Fourth Avenue includes sections of Bay Ridge, Sunset Park, Park Slope, and Downtown Brooklyn. A comprehensive plan for Fourth Avenue will improve access for pedestrians and bicyclists, support small businesses, and increase the availability of affordable housing. Fourth Avenue has the potential to become a showcase of Brooklyn's great diversity. I look forward to seeing our community continue to develop for Brooklyn residents.

Addressing Our Tax Code

This week, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released a report indicating that 1,470 millionaires and billionaires did not pay any federal taxes in 2009. A small portion of Americans who are multi-millionaires and billionaires receive tax exemptions because of charity donations and foreign investments unavailable to the majority of earners. While angry at this clear manipulation, we must channel that sentiment into a reevaluation of our tax code. We need to address the many tax loopholes left wide open for these individuals to abuse.

With our economy struggling to recover, it is important that we address our deficit problems through shared sacrifice. Addressing our tax code to generate revenue will directly address this outrageous inequality. As a Members of Congress we must take the initiative to close these loopholes, end tax breaks for the wealthy, and most importantly, let the "Bush Tax Cuts" expire. My Republicans colleagues oppose lifting these tax exemptions from the very wealthy under the well documented proven misnomer, "job creators." The IRS indicates that the jobs these individuals creating are not in the US, but rather low wage positions overseas. When Congress reconvenes is it imperative that we address these loopholes!

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