This Stuff Taxes My Brain

My Congressman, Rep. John Katko (NY-24), has said the House tax plan, as it was introduced earlier this month, was a 'starting point for desperately needed action on tax reform' and also offered this:

For thirty years, progressives have demanded exactly what this bill does - easing of the tax burden on low and middle income working families and eliminating loopholes. Anyone who dismisses this bill outright should be prepared to explain this discrepancy, and detail why hardworking Americans should continue to be taxed at excessive rates. No bill is perfect,which is why we need to keep this process moving forward. As this measure moves through the House over the coming weeks, I will continue to consult with individuals, families, small businesses and manufacturers across my district and seek their feedback. As I always have, I will advocate in Congress to ensure that this measure is a net win for Central New York. 

As part of that consultation with constituents, those of us on the Congressman's email list received a survey on tax reform, which I've shared below.

1. When it comes to reforming our tax code, what is most important to you? 

A. Lower tax rates for me and my family

B. Tax incentives for job creation in my community

C. Expansion of the Child Tax Credit

D. Reduce wasteful spending I have to ask why we can't eliminate wasteful spending without having to reform the tax code? If our representatives in Congress, in state government, and in local government can find ways to reduce  wasteful spending, to identify fraud and get that money back,  and stop borrowing money that can never be paid back,that would be a huge accomplishment, one that's much more important to me than getting a tax break.

2. What concerns you most about the U.S. Tax Code as it stands currently? 

A. Taxes are too high for me and my family

B. The current tax code encourages companies to invest their resources outside the US

C. There are not enough tax credits Um none of the above? What concerns me is how many tax credits and write-offs there are, for people and for corporations, how many special provisions there are for industry A and special interest B and family scenario C. These are the kind of things that, for example, allow corporations to earn billions and billions of dollars and pay no federal taxes. There are many examples, more current than this one I wrote about back in 2011. And having companies 'return their profits' to the US doesn't guarantee a single job will be created. It doesn't ensure there will be money invested in manufacturing, in R&D, in workforce training or anything at all that will help my community, or yours. It does ensure that bankers will make money, but even that doesn't necessarily help my community, or yours. It helps bankers.

3. Which answer best represents your viewpoint on addressing our nation’s $20 trillion debt: 

A. We should tax the wealthiest Americans more.

B. We should reduce discretionary spending programs.

C. We should reform mandatory spending programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, and unemployment programs.

D. We should reduce our defense spending. This is a great question, but it isn't really about tax reform. My response is two-fold: one, we have to collect the taxes people and corporations owe, and two, we have to spend less money. Defense is an easy target.

4. As I represent you in Congress, what kind of tax reforms would you like to see pass in the House of Representatives? 

A. A tax plan that raises taxes on wealthy individuals and large companies.

B. A tax plan that cuts taxes for low-income and middle class Americans.

C. A tax plan that cuts taxes for everyone, regardless of income.

D. A tax plan that cuts taxes for individuals, but raises taxes on corporations.

Again, my answer seems to be missing:a tax plan that eliminates the loopholes that allow people and corporations to not pay taxes, or to pay less than their fare share. We don't need to raise taxes on anyone, we need to collect what we are owed. 
5.  Do you believe the tax code should be simplified? 

A. Yes, the tax code is over 30 years old, and is outdated, and in need of an upgrade.

B. Yes, taxes should be lowered and loopholes should be closed.

C. No, I believe wealthy individuals and companies should pay more in taxes.

D. No, I am happy with the current tax code. Should the tax code be simplified? Sure. But does simplification mean lower taxes or higher taxes? Not necessarily - it means that the code should be simplified and loopholes should be closed. We may find, once that happens, that the code is sufficient.

6.  Please share any additional concerns in the space provided below.
When I get these surveys, I wish there were answers for me to select.