For Release: Wednesday, March 12, 1997

WASHINGTON, DC - Calling it "the top priority for this or any Congress," US Representative Ron Paul on Wednesday signed a letter asking that tax cuts take priority in the 105^th Congress.

The letter - also signed by Rep. Sam Johnson (R-Texas), Rep. Jim Ryun (R-Kansas) and more than 20 others - is addressed to House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-Texas), in which the signers state that the Republican agenda for the 105^th Congress "must contain legislation relieving families from the crushing tax burden that forces families to have two income earners." The letter goes on to state that the tax reductions "must be broad and permanent because America's hard working men and women deserve no less."

Paul served in Congress from 1976 to 1984 and was named "the Taxpayers Best Friend" by the National Taxpayers Union.

"The single most important thing we can do is immediately cut the tax burden on working Americans, so they can keep more of what they earn, whether to fund their children's education, buy a house or simply be able to put food on the table," said Paul. "The single biggest threat to the economic well-being of American families is the high rate of taxation and regulation they endure. Right now, Americans must work through June just to pay for taxes and regulations."

The letter specifically calls on the leadership of the US House to focus on legislation that will:

+ Institute a $500 per child tax credit + Repeal the estate and gift taxes + Reduce the capital gains tax + Reduce or repeal the "marriage penalty" taxes

Already Paul is studying legislation to accomplish several of the items, including the repeal of the estate and gift "death" taxes.

"It is imperative that this Congress focus on cutting taxes for all Americans," said Paul. "This issue will be my top concern during the 105^th Congress."