Americans for Tax Reform's Tax Day Press Conference  ...1 of 2 >
April 10, 2014 - Grover Norquist opens Americans for Tax Reform's Tax Day press conference at the Capitol Visitors Center.  This came on a day when the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee voted to hold former IRS official Lois Lerner in contempt.  Conservatives are also alarmed about proposed IRS regulations on 501(c)(4)s.  In addition to addressing IRS abuses, Norquist also called on Congress to approve tax extenders—temporary tax breaks that are up for renewal every few years—specificially he advocated for maintaining "bonus depreciation" (and working toward full expensing).  Norquist said the United States should reduce its corporate tax rate and should adopt a territorial tax system rather than the current worldwide system, which he said discourages repatriation.  (Below) Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) was one of nine members of Congress to address the ATR press conference.  He has a long record of advocating for taxpayers, having founded the Kentucky Taxpayers United (KTU) in 1993.
Before taking questions, Norquist noted ATR's "50 in 2050" effort which aims to eliminate state income taxes in all 50 states by 2010.  Eight states currently have no income tax and Tennessee is close, having only a tax on interest and dividend income from investments.  There are ongoing efforts to eliminate state income taxes in Kansas and Louisiana, both states controlled by Republicans.  Indeed, Norquist said a test is currently being waged in the states between two approaches to government.  The map shows Republican and Democratic control in the states; in 24 states Republicans control both the governor's office and the legislature compared to 13 states where Democrats control both the executive and legislative branches.   
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