October 30, 2006

Graves Wants Simpler Tax System
Congressman’s Advisory Council Holds Meeting

LIBERTY – U.S. Congressmen Sam Graves held a Tax Advisory Council meeting today in Smithville. Graves put together a wide-ranging group of Sixth District residents to help him develop a tax code that is simpler and more fair to the average American.

“Americans deserve a tax code that is simple, fair and promotes economic growth,” said Graves. “It is fundamentally unfair to have a tax code that has different rules for different people.”

The current tax code is over 54,000 pages long and includes some 2.8 million words. It is estimated that the average American spends 11 hours a year preparing their taxes. Graves said that the tax code has grown too big.

“Missouri common sense tells me that we can do it in less than 54,000 pages,” said Graves. “The tax code has gotten out of hand and it is time to start over with a blank piece of paper.”

The group discussed many different tax proposals including the flat tax, the fair tax, changing the current system and a value added tax. Graves said the current tax code is an example of how Washington does not respect the people’s money.

“When you and I spend money, we know exactly what we are paying for and how much it costs,” said Graves. “We should use that same common sense when it comes to spending your money in government.”