Kelly, Black, Renacci applaud release of House Republicans’ Tax Reform Blueprint

U.S. Reps. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Diane Black (R-TN) and Jim Renacci (R-OH) recently applauded the unveiling of a plank of the “A Better Way” policy agenda that addresses tax reform.

The Tax Reform Blueprint unveiled on Friday by House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) and U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX), the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, aims to modernize the tax code and foster economic growth.

Kelly said that the U.S. is being held back by a tax code that is too old, long, complicated and costly for everyday taxpayers to comply with.

“This plan is an answer to the American people’s greatest frustrations with taxes,” Kelly said. “It will finally update the tax code for the 21st century and thoroughly reform it to meet the needs and expectations of today’s hardworking taxpayers. This plan will make taxes lower, fairer, simpler, and easier than ever to understand. In fact, with these reforms, most taxpayers will be able to file them on a form the size of a postcard. Our plan will also restructure the IRS so that it actually exists as a service shop for taxpayers to rely upon for easy, private guidance. Gone will be an agency that intimidates, frightens, and targets innocent taxpayers.”

Black said that she has traveled her district speaking with families and businesses over the last five years and has heard concerns about the “complexity and cronyism” of the tax code.

“This plan includes many of the conservative ideas I have long advocated for, such as repealing the death tax, enabling Americans to complete their taxes on a form as simple as a postcard, and lowering the unacceptably high corporate tax rate that has sent too many American jobs offshore,” Black said. “I am hopeful that, with a willing partner in the White House, these principles can guide us to the passage of a new tax law that respects hard work, empowers our small businesses, and wrenches power away from the IRS and into the hands of the American taxpayer.”

Renacci, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, said the blueprint released by the Tax Reform Task Force took another meaningful step toward comprehensive tax reform.

“This blueprint will serve as a marker for pro-growth reform that makes America more competitive, grows the economy and creates jobs,” Renacci said. “And by moving closer to a consumption-based tax model, which is widely regarded as more pro-growth than an income-based tax system, America will be more aligned with the rest of the developed world. While this Blueprint will serve a useful guide, it’s by no means set in stone. Rather, this is just the beginning of a conversation to explore and develop bold ideas for a pro-growth, 21st century tax code. Thus, I look forward to hearing from the American people and working with my Ways and Means colleagues to ensure we advance tax reform that encourages job growth and opportunity for all Americans.”