Tax Reform

Taxes are the price we pay for the services we receive. If we want good schools, good roads, fire departments, parks or any of the other often overlooked services that our cities and state provide, we need to pay taxes. That said, the tax laws need to be fair. It is unconscionable that those who are able to pay should not pay. Corporations, businesses and wealthy citizens have the greater ability to pay and should bear more of the burden. The low and middle-class working families need to have some of the responsibility taken off of their shoulders. Regressive taxes hurt families, the poor and the elderly whose needs do not decrease with lower income. In the interest of fairness we need to close loopholes and ensure that businesses pay the taxes they owe.

Economies and efficiencies of all kinds must be pursued in the provision of governmental services. Costs and benefits of specific policies and programs must be freely investigated and make clear so that we can get the most public benefit out of each tax dollar.