Washington, Jan 16 - By Brian Hudson, Suburban Life Publications

As Washington weighs plans to jump-start the economy, U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam, R-6th, of Wheaton, today called for sensible tax cuts and tight oversight of spending as House Democrats unveiled a $825 billion stimulus package.

Roskam, a member of several House committees and Republican work groups that are discussing economic plans, said he is encouraged that President-elect Barack Obama has emphasized tax cuts, but noted that the cuts must be the right kind to foster long-term growth.

Roskam is one of 100 members of the House’s Republican Study Committee, which on Wednesday offered a plan that would cut personal income tax by 5 percent and reduce the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 25 percent. Earlier today, Roskam sat on another Republican panel that heard from economic experts.

“What I want to make sure is that we’re having the tax conversation around things that are really tax relief and make sense,” he said.

The House Democrats’ $825 billion plan is a mix of new spending and, in an effort to draw bipartisan support, tax cuts. The cuts, which make up 40 percent of the bill, include payroll tax reductions of up to $500 for individuals and $1,000 for families.

As for plans for increased government-spending, Roskam said the programs should have broad appeal, such as infrastructure improvements, rather than divert money to congressional pet projects.

“The best way to do that is to have the careful release of funds,” he said. “What can happen in this institution is that spending begins to pile on, and it’s not helpful, it’s not disciplined. It doesn’t have the accountability that people want.”

Roskam also warned against spending plans that would swell social programs, which he called “welfare through the tax code.”

“We’ve got to be careful of that because it can have the veneer of tax relief to it,” he said.

One way to ensure spending accountability, Roskam said, is to turn to the Internet and post details about spending proposals.