Goodlatte: "Massive Tax Increases Will Hit All Americans"

Congressman Bob Goodlatte’s Weekly Column: August 27, 2010

More than 7 million jobs have been lost in the last three years and over 3 million of those jobs have been lost since the President signed the so-called stimulus bill into law last year. Unfortunately, these are numbers that the American people are all too familiar with and yet the Congress continues to pursue an agenda that will further threaten American job creators. While Americans are asking “Where are the jobs?”, the Majority in Congress continues to demonstrate that they do not understand the priorities of our constituents or appreciate how private sector jobs are created.

It is clear: the policies of higher taxes, runaway spending, government takeovers and record debt which have become commonplace in Washington these days are having a chilling effect on the nation’s small businesses, the economic engine of our economy. From the so-called stimulus bill to the government takeover of our health care system and the threat of higher taxes and massive deficit spending, these policies have further hindered the creation of private sector jobs.

Unfortunately, just a little over four months from now, Democrats will impose further tax increases on American families and small businesses who are already struggling to make ends meet. According to the non-partisan Joint Committee on Taxation, unless the $3.8 trillion tax hike, which will take effect on January 1, 2011, is prevented every American income taxpayer will face higher rates. Specifically, 88 million taxpayers will pay an average of $503 in higher taxes due to the elimination of the ten percent bracket, 35 million married couples will pay an average of $595 in higher taxes due to a reinstatement of the marriage penalty, 31 million families will pay an average of $1,033 in higher taxes due to a reduction in the child tax credit, the death tax will soar to 55 percent, and 94 percent of small businesses will see their tax bills increase as well.

At the same time that millions of Americans are confronted with these oppressive tax hikes, they will also be faced with the first round of tax increases that are part of the new health care reform law. This monstrosity includes over 20 new taxes or tax increases which total $569 billion in additional taxes on individuals and employers.

As if all of this isn’t devastating enough, more than 25 million taxpayers will be ensnared by the Alternative Minimum Tax and higher taxes will be levied on investments starting January 1, 2011.

The last thing our economy needs is crushing tax increases. Instead Congress must focus on policies that allow individuals and businesses to keep more of their hard-earned tax dollars, which would encourage investment and provide financial relief for America’s small businesses. Most importantly Congress must send a clear message to our nation’s job creators that they can hire new workers with the confidence that a higher tax bill is not on the way.

I remain committed to working to stop these massive tax increases on small businesses and working families that will have a devastating impact on job creation and our struggling economy. I will continue working to enact responsible legislation which puts money back into the hands of those who can really turn our economy around – the American people and small businesses.

Barack Obama Breaks his Word Once Again

While the Obama administration is discussing the need for a second stimulus package, let's take some time to reflect on the success of the first one. The best person to tell us how successful President Obama's first stimulus package was is, Barack Obama. It is clear from listening to the president that the first stimulus failed. If the first one failed why do we need another one?

Creigh Deeds is Honored to have Joe Biden's Support

Over the weekend Joe Biden highlighted a fundraiser for Creigh Deeds. Before the event in a statement published on his website, Deeds said, "I'm glad he's coming back to Virginia tonight as Vice President and am so honored to have his support." Creigh Deeds has chosen to associate himself with Joe Biden and his policies, and has even made money off of that association. It is only fair to ask what it is Joe Biden believes.

Just like President Obama, Joe Biden believes there shouldn't be any coal plants in America. As a rural state senator, do you support eliminating coal plants from America, and watching those jobs dissapear from south west Virginia?

Not only does Biden (and presumably Creigh Deeds) believe we should eliminate the coal industry, but Biden also believes we should, "spend money to keep from going bankrupt." While some mocked trickle down economics, this idea is absurd. Every business and family knows that you don't increas spending to keep from going bankrupt. If after the 2009 elections Virginia is in as bad economic straits as California, is this the path Deeds will use to keep Virginia from going bankrupt?

Not only does Joe Biden believe increased spending keeps people from going bankrupt, he also admits to misreading the economy. We don't have to ask if Deeds will follow in Biden's foot steps on this front, because we know the answer to this one. Just like Barack Obama's running mate, Creigh Deeds' running mate (Jody Wagner) has misread the economy.

While Creigh Deeds may be honored to have Joe Biden's support, it is actually quite scary to imagine Joe Biden's beliefs being implemented in this commonwealth. It would destroy this economy. In Joe Biden's stirring endorsement of Creigh Deeds, he asked all the donors to, "Break your neck for this man." While I wouldn't normally consider breaking my neck for a candidate, it may be all their is left to break in this state after Joe Biden and Creigh Deeds have their way with commonwealth's economy.

(Simultaneously posted at Off the Trunk and VASocialConservative.)

The Devalued Prime Minister of a Devalued Government

An English member of the EU Parliament speaking bluntly about the bailout, and economic policy.

Senator Cuccinelli's Response to the State of the Commonwealth Address

Tonight Governor Tim Kaine gave his final State of the Commonwealth Address.  The speech focussed on the economic crisis facing the nation, and the resulting budget crisis facing the state.

The following is Senator Cuccinelli's response to the speech.

(Richmond, VA) – State Senator Ken Cuccinelli’s statement on Governor Tim Kaine’s “State of the Commonwealth” address tonight:

Governor Kaine’s speech about the budget shortfalls facing Virginia was heavy on specific problems, but light on workable solutions.  Effectively bringing back parole and raising taxes will only hurt Virginia businesses, employees and taxpayers.  

The size of Virginia’s government has doubled in the last ten years, and yet I haven’t met many Virginia families whose income has doubled in that time.  I hope that the legislature will see fit to roll back the last few years spending increases, preserving transportation and not releasing criminals early.