Taxes

December 1, 1999
(Washington, D.C.)

Today U.S. Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn (8th Dist.-Wash.) released the following statement after Governor George W. Bush (Texas), a presidential contender for 2000, unveiled his economic plan before the Des Moines Chamber of Commerce. The Governor included one of Congresswoman Dunn's top priorities, death tax relief, in his economic platform.

Congresswoman Dunn serves on the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over tax policy. This year Dunn worked tirelessly to ensure the Congressional passage of a tax relief plan, which included death tax repeal through rate reduction. However, President Clinton vetoed the bill.

"Today Governor Bush revealed a bold economic plan for America and the world. In his plan, he advocates simplifying the income tax system to provide meaningful tax relief to those who need it most. For example, by expanding the middle-income tax bracket, an estimated six million families will not have to pay taxes at all. The Governor wants to reduce the marriage penalty that punishes taxpayers simply because they choose to marry. He also seeks to increase the annual contribution limit on educational savings accounts from $500 to $5,000, and to allow the savings to be used for all school expenses from kindergarten to college. This change will enable parents to keep more of their hard earned money to save for their children's future. He also calls for expanding the charitable tax deduction, allowing approximately 80 million taxpayers who do not itemize their returns to deduct charitable contributions, which makes a difference in their communities.

"In addition, the plan would phase out the death tax. I want to personally thank Governor Bush for making death tax relief -- one of my top priorities -- a major component of his plan to enhance economic prosperity in the new millennium.

"In his desire to ensure that the American Dream touches every willing heart, Governor Bush supports families who are building a legacy for their children and grandchildren, and working hard to make a lasting difference in their communities. Eliminating this unfair tax supports the hope and promise that Governor Bush wants to spread across America: prosperity with a purpose.

"This is the next big step for eliminating this unfair tax once and for all. For the first time since early this century, Congress passed a tax bill that eventually repealed the punitive death tax. Unfortunately, President Clinton vetoed that reasonable, balanced plan, despite the inclusion of death tax elimination, which is supported by many Congressional Democrats, families and business owners across the country from both political parties.

"With Governor Bush's economic agenda promoting repeal of the death tax, I look forward to the day that Congress passes a death tax repeal bill that will be signed into law when George W. Bush becomes President."

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