Jack Kingston

Yesterday Jack was on NewsTalk1059 WVGA talking about different legislative issues that are being debated in Congress. He talked about everything from healthcare to Cap and Tax - and even Sarah Palin and President Obama competing in a foot race. You can listen to the interview in it’s entirety by clicking here clicking here.

Today, Speaker Pelosi’s plan to implement a national energy tax is set to be on the House floor. The plan would place a devastating tax on all Americans known as “Cap and Tax” with the intent to reduce America’s carbon emission levels in 2050 to the level emitted in 1910.  That’s no easy task when you consider that the population of the United States in 1910 was just 92 million people compared to an estimated 420 million in 2050. 

Join more than 130,000 Americans who have signed the petition asking that Congress reject any and all legislation (or regulatory action by the EPA) that would enact new energy taxes and/or establish a national cap and trade system for carbon dioxide that would, as President Obama has said, cause electricity and other energy prices to “necessarily skyrocket”.

Sign the petition.

Congressman urges constituents to participate in survey

With Tax Day just around the corner, Congressman Jack Kingston (R/GA-1) is seeking input from First District constituents on efforts to reform the tax code.  The survey, which can be filled out at http://kingston.house.gov/taxsurvey is designed to educate constituents on proposals for tax reform like the Fair Tax and the Flat Tax.

“All across Georgia and all across America, folks are gathering together for TEA parties,” Congressman Kingston said.  “These demonstrate our frustration with an outdated tax code and the burden it places on small businesses and working families.  I hope we can turn that frustration into action and get the discussion moving on reforming the tax code to provide for a more prosperous future.”

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At a White House press conference today, President Obama and Treasury Secretary Geithner announced a program to inject $15 billion into the small business credit market.  While Congressman Jack Kingston (R/GA-1) praised long-awaited attention to small business, he criticized the plan’s failure to address impending tax increases.

“This proposal is a step in the right direction but it’s only a step when small businesses have lost a mile in this economy,” Congressman Kingston said.  “By my math, the $15 billion in aid announced today amounts to 2% of the $687 billion in tax increases unveiled in President Obama’s budget the lion’s share of which will fall on the shoulders of small businesses.  In effect, for every dollar Washington takes away from small business, they’ll get a whopping two cents back.”

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Nation’s oldest taxpayer organization honors congressman for fiscally sound record

Congressman Jack Kingston (R/GA01) today earned the nation’s top tax policy award after being named a “Tax Fighter” by the National Tax Limitation Committee (NTLC).  The NTLC, the nation’s oldest taxpayer organization, presented Congressman Kingston with the award for his fiscally sound voting record.

“America owes much of her prosperity to a low tax structure,” Congressman Kingston said.  “In order to get out of this economic crisis, I’ll continue pushing for lower taxes.  Income redistribution schemes will do nothing more than kill jobs and would signal a new era of socialism in America.  I appreciate NCLT’s work and will continue fighting for our shared values of lower taxes and less government interference in our lives.”

The National Tax Limitation Committee scored some 39 House votes, placing special emphasis on tax, budget and spending measures that would have a major impact on long-term taxing and spending programs of the government.  Votes were selected to provide insight to the legislator’s philosophy with respect to government regulation, private property rights, federalism and the size of the federal government.  Each vote was weighed and tallied to present an accurate “fiscal responsibility” score.

“Congressman Kingston has led the battle on behalf of taxpayers on behalf of taxpayers,” said NTLC President Lewis Uhler.  “He has been a major asset to taxpayers across America during his congressional service and has had the courage to challenge the orthodoxy of Washington spending and earmarks.  From making permanent the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts, to eliminating the death tax, to killing the Alternative Minimum Tax, and providing incentives for private savings, investment and job creation, Congressman Kingston has earned an ‘A’ grade for taxpayers.”

The National Tax Limitation Committee was organized in 1975 to seek constitutional and other limits on taxes, spending and deficits at the federal, state and local levels of government.   NTLC has led the national movement for constitutional tax and spending limits at the state and local levels.

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For more information on Jack’s efforts to lower taxes, click here.

“Republicans Believe Every Day Is The Fourth Of July, But Democrats Believe Every Day Is April 15.” - Ronald Reagan

Sen. Kay Bailey-Hutchison has a great op-ed piece in today’s Dallas Morning News about why we shouldn’t allow the 2003 tax cuts to expire.

 In her words:

“Let’s remember that those tax cuts brought historic reductions to individual tax rates, death taxes, capital gains taxes and taxes levied on small businesses. They have provided relief to American families by increasing the child tax credit from $600 to $1,000 per child and reducing the marriage penalty by doubling the standard deduction.

“But in 2010, those tax cuts, which spurred growth and created 8.1 million jobs, are set to expire. If they are allowed to expire, we will witness the largest tax increase in American history. Texans would shoulder an average $2,381 increase.

“In light of these alarming figures, there is no justification for raising taxes at this time. Such an increase would only nullify the benefits of Congress’ recent economic stimulus package. Through this stimulus package, qualifying taxpayers who file a 2007 return may expect to receive rebate checks between May and July of up to $600 for individuals and up to $1,200 for married couples filing jointly. Millions of retirees, veterans and low-income workers may also receive a stimulus payment.”

To read the full article, click here.

(Courtesy Republican Study Committee)

Unless Congress takes action, the following tax increases will automatically occur for the following tax years:

2008

• The exemption for the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) will decrease from $44,350 to $33,750 for single filers and from $66,250 to $45,000 for married couples filing jointly.
• Taxpayers will not be allowed to deduct their state and local general sales taxes from their federal income tax.
• Taxpayers will not be able to adjust their income for qualified tution and related expenses.
• Businesses will not be able to claim a tax credit for research, experimentation, and development activities.
• First-time homebuyers in the nation’s capital will no longer be able to claim a tax credit.

2009:

• Taxpayers will no longer be able to claim a tax credit for certain residential energy efficient property, a tax credit for construction of new energy efficient homes, or a tax deduction for energy efficient commerical building property.

2010:

• The Section 179 business expensing cap will decrease from $128,000 (plus inflation after 2008) to $25,000, and the starting point for the phase-out of this deduction will decrease from $510,000 (plus inflation after 2008) to $100,000.

2011:

• The marginal income tax rates will increase as follows:
  • 35% bracket will increase to 39.6%
  • 33% bracket will increase to 36%
  • 28% bracket will increase to 31%
  • 25% bracket will increase to 28%
  • 10% and 15% brackets will condense to 15%
• The capital gains rates for individuals will increase from 15% and 0% to 20% and 10%
• Dividends will no longer be taxed at captial gains rates for individuals, thereby increasing the double taxation of dividends by as much as 62%
• The standard deduction for couples as a percentage of the standard deduction for singles will decrease from 200% to 167% - restoring the marraige penalty.
• The top end of the 15% marginal income tax bracket for couples as a percentage of the top end for singles will decrease from 200% to 167% - restoring the marriage penalty.
• The child tax credit will decrease from $1,000 to $500.
• The “death” tax using the “stepped up” basis will return with a 55% maximum rate (including surtax) and a $1 million exemption, after years of decreasing “death” tax rates, increasing exemptions, and one year using the “carryover” basis to calculate the tax due.

For a more comprehensive list, click here for one from the Joint Committee on Taxation.

The same spirit that guided Senate Republicans to block the fatted calf put forth by the Senate Finance Committee should guide all conservatives to work towards blocking the economic “stimulus” which passed the House this week.

The package that lies before us is one that will do nothing to bring about long term growth in our economy.  Its effect will be more like the Christmas shopping season that will boost numbers for a quarter, may two, but its far too short sited to serve as an engine of growth.

One important thing to remember is that there is not full agreement that we are even facing a recession.  An expert Jack’s been talking to from the University of Georgia likens the “housing crisis” to the burst of the “dot com” bubble in the late 1990s.  In his view, the housing market is simply correcting itself which, though it may be painful, will eventually improve the market.With the House in recess for the Democrat retreat, Jack’s had a chance to travel through the district and to other parts of Georgia and there is a consensus growing that a real economic stimulus should focus on a few key tenets.  Namely:

• Making the 2003 tax cuts permanent.  These tax cuts brought unprecedented growth to our economy and should be made permanent.  President Bush himself cited them as a growing source of uncertainty looming over our economy.  The tax cuts encourage folks to work harder because they know they will keep more of what they make.
• Additional tax cuts to drive the economy upward.  If we want real economic growth, we need to target tax cuts to encourage Americans to go buy new consumer goods.  Many believe that the proposed rebates will primarily be saved or used to buy basic needs both of which do little good for long term economic growth.
• Make permanent the depreciation write-offs in the ’stimulus’ package.  While the tax breaks for businesses contained in the current proposal are good, they will do little for businesses who are looking to buy equipment for long term use.  Many businesses plan far in advance and would need long-term tax breaks to really encourage them to buy anything that market forces would not already encourage them to purchase.
• Bring back the investment tax credit.  To create more jobs, we need to encourage the American people to pour money into the markets.  This is a great time to buy as the uncertainty has caused a dip in the markets. 

Last week, I had a chance to take my Journey With Jack when I helped organize an intern-only event, “Better Know the FairTax,” with Reps. John Linder and Jack Kingston of Georgia. This was the second event in Jack’s Summer Intern Series “Better Know the Republican Party.”

(Eds. Note: Apoligies that the audio quality is a little low, but we’re doing the best with what we’ve got!)

You can watch all of the past episodes of Journeys With Jack here.

-Ashley

Today marked Jack Kingston’s second successful Summer 2006 Intern-only event, “Better Know the FairTax.” A large crowd of interns gathered in a room in the Capitol to discuss the FairTax with New York Times bestselling co-author of The FairTax Book, Rep. John Linder.

Due to votes, the Congressmen were delayed about 30 minutes, but the interns patiently stuck around for a chance to ask the Members the tough questions regarding the FairTax.

Congressman Linder gave a 15 minute introduction to the FairTax, in which he outlined the main idea of the FairTax and highlighted some of the most important aspects of the act, including that it taxes “wealth” instead of “wages.” For example, Microsoft CEO Bill Gates doesn’t make an annual wage so he doesn’t pay income taxes.

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Congressman Kingston posted part II of his American Renewal Project. You can read it HERE.

Today I blogged on redstate.org about the need for Republicans to really focus on an agenda this year because I believe America is ready for big ideas. Here is my opening paragraph:

Friends-
As some of y’all know, one of my colleagues I admire most is former Nebraska head coach Tom Osbourne. We will miss Tom in the hallways of Congress (and in bible study) when he becomes Nebraska’s next governor, but his presence will never be forgotten. My friendship with Tom has taught me a few things about team work and how those relate to Congress. When it comes to having a successful team, one thing is clear — you need a solid coach. The coach is the guy who is always looking at the big picture, calling plays for the good and glory of the team, and unifying the team. Tom Osbourne’s a humble man - in fact when he spoke to a group of Members at a Theme Team breakfast he said that the only time he ever let himself celebrate after a victory was during his walk off the field. Tom Osbourne’s players respected him because of his love and respect for the game and the team.

That’s a leader. Humble with victory, and always looking toward tomorrow’s challenges.

I encourage you to read the rest of my post HERE.

This past week, Congressman Kingston sent a letter to his GOP colleagues outlining eight items he believes the American people want Congress to deal with in the coming year. He is calling the agenda the American Renewal Project.

From the letter:

Dear Republican Colleague:

In December we were on offense and had a strong finish. In fact, our team came on strong in the second quarter to pass a strong border enforcement bill, pension reform, legislation to reform federal programs to save taxpayers billions of dollars, appropriations bills that made real reductions in federal spending, and a Department of Defense spending bill which included a pay raise for our soldiers and the funds necessary to win the war on terror.

But now there are those who want to put us back on defense. They would like the current transition process to weaken, not strengthen us. And they would like to keep it going until November.

But it will only happen if we let it.

Our Conference has been through tougher transitions and tackled tougher issues. The way to move forward is to do just that�move forward. We need to get back to our basic priorities, to the issues that our constituents want us to address. We need priority-based leadership.

Enclosed is a list of issues with which we are all familiar. These are the issues that have great support among our base and swing voters. These are the issues that matter outside of the beltway, regardless of what the New York Times or Washington Post opine.

Over the past months I have spoken to many Members�from our Freshman class to our Senior Committee Chairmen�about these issues and how they would play out in their district. I have also talked to consultants and wordsmiths. While not everyone agrees with everything on the list, I hope it can help us focus on our priorities and serve as a point of discussion. I hope you will consider these or other priorities you feel are key to the debate.

At the upcoming retreat, we should work together to agree on a list of issues that we will dedicate all our efforts to passing this year. It will be our commitment to America that we are focused on their concerns and worthy of retaining the majority.

You can download the American Renewal Project HERE.