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Rep. Doc Hastings Weekly Column

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Democrats don't give a rip

Did you dig deep to pay feds while putting your business, home at risk?

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Friday, 4-15-99)---The April 15 tax deadline has now come and gone, leaving many Americans frustrated because they had to dig deep into their pockets to pay their tax bills.

It' s no wonder they're frustrated: the average American pays more in taxes than for food, clothing, shelter, and transportation combined.

What action is the Congress taking to relieve the stiff tax burden we face every year?

This Congress is working for permanent tax relief for families. In fact, the House voted on TAX Day--when families and businesses were rushing to beat the IRS filing deadline--to amend the Constitution to require a two-thirds supermajority vote in Congress to increase taxes on hardworking Americans.

I believe this is a common sense reform that would create a much needed safeguard against arbitrary tax hikes. That's why the amendment had my full support.

Experience at the state level proves that tax limitation works. Fourteen states, including Washington, have now adopted tax limitation. In these states, taxes and spending grow more slowly, economies expand faster and the job base increases more rapidly. The federal government and the national economy could get the same benefits.

Unfortunately, the Tax Limitation Amendment failed to receive the votes of two-thirds of the members of the House of Representatives--a total of 290--necessary for passage. It's particularly disappointing because the need for this amendment has never been more obvious.

And, as high as your taxes get, and as big as the government gets, the truth is that some people in Washington, D.C. think that it's never enough. They believe that government has the right to take as much of our money as it wants and spend it however it wants.

I don't share that attitude. You work hard for your money. You deserve to keep more of it--not less. I believe that you and your family can make better choices about how to spend and save your money than federal bureaucrats can. That's why I'm working hard to make sure you get to make those choices for yourself.

How did WA Democrats vote?

Doc backs measure to require 2/3 vote in House, Senate to raise fed taxes

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Friday, 4-15-99)---Congressman Doc Hastings today voted in support of a Constitutional amendment requiring a two-thirds supermajority in both the house and Senate to increase federal taxes.

"There could be no more appropriate day than April 15 for the House to vote on an amendment to make it harder to impose taxes on hardworking Americans." said Hastings. "Families, businesses and individuals want and need tax relief--allowing them to keep more of their hard-earned dollars. That's why I voted for this amendment."

According to Hastings, it now takes the average citizen nearly five months to earn enough income just to pay their federal, state, and local taxes.

The Tax Limitation Amendment to the Constitution, H.J. Res. 37, would require a two-thirds majority vote for the House or Senate to pass any legislation that would result in an increase in personal, business, or other federal taxes.

The bill would allow Congress to waive the supermajority requirement to pass a tax increase:

during a period of declared war between the U.S. and another country

when Congress and the president enact a resolution stating that the U.S. is engaged in a military conflict that threatens national security.

Any proposed amendment to the Constitution must receive 290 affirmative votes upon final passage in the House, and 67 in the Senate, in order to be forwarded to the states for ratification.

Although it fell short of the 2/3 supermajority vote needed to pass a constitutional amendment, today's vote of 229 to 199 was a clear sign of the support in Congress for joining the numerous states which already provide tax limitation protection to their citizens. Washington state is one of 14 states that have tax limitation provisions.

"The tax burden on families and small businesses is overwhelming,' said Hastings. "A typical family pays almost 40% of their income in federal, state and local taxes. This constitutional amendment would lift this heavy burden."

News flash: we don't trust Clintonistas, either

Clintonistas don't trust local folks to manage the Wahluke slope

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Friday, 4-10-99)---Today's decision once again confirms what many of us have known all along--that the Clinton administration simply doesn't trust local residents to manage our own resources.

Locking up the Wahluke Slope under total federal control and management is what this administration has always intended. That's why the announcement from Sec. Richardson comes as no surprise.

What concerns me the most is that this announcement puts us down the path toward total federal control--and does so without allowing an independent, comprehensive study of the Wahluke Slope. It eliminates any hope of decision-making authority for local residents.

Instead, the Administration has made its intentions clear and will conduct its own review of the lands. The views of local residents will only be considered during the public comment period, and the Department doesn't have to alter its plan based on these comments.

Last month, I introduced the white Bluffs Protection Act to ensure we take the steps necessary to find out the best uses of the Wahluke Slope lands. My bill authorizes the nonpartisan National Academy of Sciences to thoroughly study the Wahluke Slope and assemble the best scientific data to determine which land use options are possible and best for our region.

It's clear that we need decisions based on sound data rather than an attempt by this administration to lock up the Wahluke Slope without an independent study and decision-making authority for local residents. That's why I'll be working hard to push my legislation forward as quickly as possible.

Asks paperwork be whacked

Doc's Small Business Freedom Initiative would hold feds at bay

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Friday, 4-09-99)---As a longtime small business owner, I know firsthand that small business is the engine that drives our economy.

But I also know that well-intended government regulations can impose tedious and time consuming requirements on entrepreneurs.

I haven't forgotten that every hour spent filling out government paperwork is time that can't be spent building a business.

That's why I've just launched the "Small Business Freedom" initiative to reduce the regulatory burden on small businesses. This is a common sense effort to identify and potentially eliminate burdensome and useless forms the small business community knows it can do without. I'm pleased the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB has endorsed this important initiative.

According to the Office of Management and Budget, businesses spend more than 222 million hours each year and a significant amount of money and effort complying with federal paperwork. And that does not include the 80% of paperwork related to taxes and IRS compliance.

While some forms are necessary and must remain on the books to protect the health and safety of American workers, others can be eliminated.

During the last week in March, I met with small business owners across Central Washington to discuss ways to reduce the regulatory burden they face and to identify specific forms that could be eliminated. My initiative is only in its b beginning stage, but one thing is for sure: local small business owners need regulatory relief.

Working together, I know this initiative will be a success. But to do this, I need the help of local communities. I encourage small-business owners to share their suggestions and recommendations with me. Once we have a list of the useless forms, I plan to work with my colleagues in Congress and the federal agencies to get them off the books.

Copies of forms and other recommendations should be sent to: office of Congressman doc Hastings, 1323 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515. The Fax number is (202) 225-3251.

Democrats don't give a rip Did you dig deep to pay feds while putting your business, home at risk? WASHINGTON, D.C. (Friday, 4-15-99)---The April 15 tax deadline has now come and gone, leaving many Americans frustrated because they had to dig deep into their pockets to pay their tax bills. It' s no wonder they're frustrated: the average American pays more in taxes than for food, clothing, shelter, and transportation combined. What action is the Congress taking to relieve the stiff tax burden we face every year? This Congress is working for permanent tax relief for families. In fact, the House voted on TAX Day--when families and businesses were rushing to beat the IRS filing deadline--to amend the Constitution to require a two-thirds supermajority vote in Congress to increase taxes on hardworking Americans. I believe this is a common sense reform that would create a much needed safeguard against arbitrary tax hikes. That's why the amendment had my full support. Experience at the state level proves that tax limitation works. Fourteen states, including Washington, have now adopted tax limitation. In these states, taxes and spending grow more slowly, economies expand faster and the job base increases more rapidly. The federal government and the national economy could get the same benefits. Unfortunately, the Tax Limitation Amendment failed to receive the votes of two-thirds of the members of the House of Representatives--a total of 290--necessary for passage. It's particularly disappointing because the need for this amendment has never been more obvious. And, as high as your taxes get, and as big as the government gets, the truth is that some people in Washington, D.C. think that it's never enough. They believe that government has the right to take as much of our money as it wants and spend it however it wants. I don't share that attitude. You work hard for your money. You deserve to keep more of it--not less. I believe that you and your family can make better choices about how to spend and save your money than federal bureaucrats can. That's why I'm working hard to make sure you get to make those choices for yourself. How did WA Democrats vote? Doc backs measure to require 2/3 vote in House, Senate to raise fed taxes WASHINGTON, D.C. (Friday, 4-15-99)---Congressman Doc Hastings today voted in support of a Constitutional amendment requiring a two-thirds supermajority in both the house and Senate to increase federal taxes. "There could be no more appropriate day than April 15 for the House to vote on an amendment to make it harder to impose taxes on hardworking Americans." said Hastings. "Families, businesses and individuals want and need tax relief--allowing them to keep more of their hard-earned dollars. That's why I voted for this amendment." According to Hastings, it now takes the average citizen nearly five months to earn enough income just to pay their federal, state, and local taxes. The Tax Limitation Amendment to the Constitution, H.J. Res. 37, would require a two-thirds majority vote for the House or Senate to pass any legislation that would result in an increase in personal, business, or other federal taxes. The bill would allow Congress to waive the supermajority requirement to pass a tax increase: during a period of declared war between the U.S. and another country when Congress and the president enact a resolution stating that the U.S. is engaged in a military conflict that threatens national security. Any proposed amendment to the Constitution must receive 290 affirmative votes upon final passage in the House, and 67 in the Senate, in order to be forwarded to the states for ratification. Although it fell short of the 2/3 supermajority vote needed to pass a constitutional amendment, today's vote of 229 to 199 was a clear sign of the support in Congress for joining the numerous states which already provide tax limitation protection to their citizens. Washington state is one of 14 states that have tax limitation provisions. "The tax burden on families and small businesses is overwhelming,' said Hastings. "A typical family pays almost 40% of their income in federal, state and local taxes. This constitutional amendment would lift this heavy burden." News flash: we don't trust Clintonistas, either Clintonistas don't trust local folks to manage the Wahluke slope WASHINGTON, D.C. (Friday, 4-10-99)---Today's decision once again confirms what many of us have known all along--that the Clinton administration simply doesn't trust local residents to manage our own resources. Locking up the Wahluke Slope under total federal control and management is what this administration has always intended. That's why the announcement from Sec. Richardson comes as no surprise. What concerns me the most is that this announcement puts us down the path toward total federal control--and does so without allowing an independent, comprehensive study of the Wahluke Slope. It eliminates any hope of decision-making authority for local residents. Instead, the Administration has made its intentions clear and will conduct its own review of the lands. The views of local residents will only be considered during the public comment period, and the Department doesn't have to alter its plan based on these comments. Last month, I introduced the white Bluffs Protection Act to ensure we take the steps necessary to find out the best uses of the Wahluke Slope lands. My bill authorizes the nonpartisan National Academy of Sciences to thoroughly study the Wahluke Slope and assemble the best scientific data to determine which land use options are possible and best for our region. It's clear that we need decisions based on sound data rather than an attempt by this administration to lock up the Wahluke Slope without an independent study and decision-making authority for local residents. That's why I'll be working hard to push my legislation forward as quickly as possible. Asks paperwork be whacked Doc's Small Business Freedom Initiative would hold feds at bay WASHINGTON, D.C. (Friday, 4-09-99)---As a longtime small business owner, I know firsthand that small business is the engine that drives our economy. But I also know that well-intended government regulations can impose tedious and time consuming requirements on entrepreneurs. I haven't forgotten that every hour spent filling out government paperwork is time that can't be spent building a business. That's why I've just launched the "Small Business Freedom" initiative to reduce the regulatory burden on small businesses. This is a common sense effort to identify and potentially eliminate burdensome and useless forms the small business community knows it can do without. I'm pleased the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB has endorsed this important initiative. According to the Office of Management and Budget, businesses spend more than 222 million hours each year and a significant amount of money and effort complying with federal paperwork. And that does not include the 80% of paperwork related to taxes and IRS compliance. While some forms are necessary and must remain on the books to protect the health and safety of American workers, others can be eliminated. During the last week in March, I met with small business owners across Central Washington to discuss ways to reduce the regulatory burden they face and to identify specific forms that could be eliminated. My initiative is only in its b beginning stage, but one thing is for sure: local small business owners need regulatory relief. Working together, I know this initiative will be a success. But to do this, I need the help of local communities. I encourage small-business owners to share their suggestions and recommendations with me. Once we have a list of the useless forms, I plan to work with my colleagues in Congress and the federal agencies to get them off the books. Copies of forms and other recommendations should be sent to: office of Congressman doc Hastings, 1323 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515. The Fax number is (202) 225-3251.