Over the past few years Congress has gotten into the bad habit of implementing temporary tax rates and tax holidays. These gimmicks are a result of failed leadership. They only serve to destabilize our economy and inhibit the private sector’s ability to invest in jobs and our economy by creating additional uncertainty.

President Obama’s own deficit reduction commission recommended  lowering rates coupled with elimination of loopholes and special interest tax breaks. While President Obama and the Democrats in Congress have ignored these recommendations, the merits of the commission’s suggestions are worth serious consideration.

As your congressman I will favor any tax reform plan that meets the following criteria:

• Flattening, lowering of tax rates and general simplification of the tax code.
• Elimination of loopholes and tax expenditures that provide incentives for special interests to lobby congress for exceptions.
• Permanent rates that that do not expire, change or shift. Permanent rates provide much needed stability and are paramount for economic growth and prosperity.