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Overview
It seems many in Washington think they're playing with Monopoly money. Unfortunately, they're playing with our children's and grandchildren's future. Budgets are about setting priorities. Hard working Minnesota families have to live within their budgets and so should the federal government. Unfortunately, Congress does not always subscribe to that theory. Congressman Gutknecht has often said there is one certain truth about government: It will be paid for...either by us, or by our children and grandchildren. We cannot afford to pass along our debt to future generations.
Controlling Spending
The federal government must learn to live within its means, just like Minnesota families. Congressman Gil Gutknecht has consistently voted to slow the growth of federal spending.
- Congressman Gutknecht voted for the Deficit Reduction Act to reduce waste and to ensure that programs operate within their budgets.
- He also voted to prevent lawmakers from inserting special projects (earmarks) into legislation at the last minute without proper scrutiny. By keeping a watchful eye on government programs and the lawmakers who request them, Congressman Gutknecht is working to make government more accountable.
Keeping Taxes Low
- Congressman Gutknecht voted to abolish the death tax to allow people to keep a business or farm in the family, instead of selling it in order to pay the IRS.
To prevent a middle-class tax hike, Congressman Gutknecht voted to protect many Americans who are subject to the alternative minimum tax (AMT) in 2006. Minnesota has the 9th highest percentage of taxpayers subject to the AMT.
- Twenty-eight million families will benefit by an average of almost $990 on their 2006 tax returns because he froze rates on capital gains and certain dividends through 2010.
Republican Study Committee
Congressman Gutknecht serves on the steering committee of the Republican Study Committee. The Republican Study Committee (RSC) is a group of more than 100 House Republicans organized for the purpose of advancing a conservative social and economic agenda in the House of Representatives.
Click here to learn more about the RSC
On March 8, 2006 , the RSC unveiled a balanced budget based on the 1995 "Contract With America" budget. The RSC budget signals a renewed commitment to the principles of the Contract With America - controlling government spending, reducing the tax burden on average Americans and shrinking the size of the federal government.
Helpful Budget and Economy Links
House Budget Committee
The Heritage Foundation
CATO Institute
Americans for Tax Reform
Joint Committee on Taxation
