Issues: Taxes

I believe we must change the tax structure of the federal government. In the short term, I'll fight to reduce the marriage penalty tax, which forces married couples filing jointly to pay more taxes than if the same couple filed separately. And, I'll fight to make the repeal of the estate, or "death" tax permanent. Currently, the death tax has been phased out over several years, but returns in 2011. There should be no life for the death tax.

In the long term, we must replace the existing tax structure with a fairer tax system.

Recently, I voted for legislation that extends lower rates on capital gains and dividends and increases Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) levels for two years, until 2010, so fewer Arizonans will be subject to the AMT. This legislation was signed by the President in May 2006.

I understand that when Arizona families keep more of what we earn, we become the driving force behind Arizona's economic expansion. Keeping more of what we earn helps us save for our children's education, re-invest in small local businesses, and hire new employees. I will support the President’s recent call for the elimination of taxes on dividends, allowing every American the opportunity to keep more of the money that they have earned.