Taxes and Financial Services

The federal budget, and the tax revenue that goes to fund that budget, must provide funding that ensures a strong national defense, a robust infrastructure, and investments in energy efficiency, environmental conservation, small business development, job creation, education, and a wide range of other areas which are essential to our future prosperity.  Federal spending must be used to help stimulate the economy in ways that will benefit Americans of all ages, backgrounds, and income levels and we need a tax code that helps to provide for these needs, while also ensuring a strong economy.

From crumbling infrastructure, renewable energy development, unemployment insurance for struggling Americans, and much-needed reforms in our education system, we must prioritize federal spending where it will do the most good.  While I remain concerned about the long-term sustainability of large annual deficits, we must appropriately address these concerns while also weighing the need for federal investments that will improve our economy and create jobs.  A strong economy fuels economic growth, which in turn, through a fair tax code that does not unduly burden the middle class, reduces our deficit and overall debt burden. I will continue to advocate for a tax code and budget that prioritizes these goals.
 
Coupled with a tax code and budget that provide the resources and growth we need thrive as a nation, we must also ensure that consumers have the protections they need to thrive in the marketplace. As our economy continues to gain strength and stability after the most devastating financial crisis since the Great Depression, we must continue to take bold steps to reform our nation's financial regulations, crack down on predatory lending, ensure access to vital credit is preserved, protect American homeowners, and always put the needs of Main Street before those of Wall Street.

My constituents have my word that I will always do anything and everything to protect their homes, their jobs, and their livelihoods.