Loading...Fair Tax Topic at Georgia Chamber Cornerstone Luncheon
; "Rep. Linder urged the audience of business leaders from around the state to press their state legislators to pass a bill in the 2007 session of the Georgia General Assembly endorsing the Fair Tax.")
America’s most eloquent and knowledgeable spokesman on the subject of the fair tax spoke at a recent luncheon for Georgia Chamber Cornerstone members in Atlanta.
Seventh District Georgia Congressman John Linder used the opportunity to explain and describe key elements of the bill he has introduced in the U.S. Congress that would, in effect, eliminate the IRS and greatly simplify the process Americans currently use to file and pay income tax. “Right now,” Linder said, “we are taxing wages, not wealth. Americans waste millions of dollars dealing with tax forms and tax consultants, when there is an easier way and one that will spur economic growth.” Linder, a former member of the Georgia House of Representatives until his election in 1992 to the Congress, was armed with facts and figures that showed that the current system is really self-defeating. “The moment we make the switch to a fair tax, we will start to see a boost in business activity and a rise in revenue,” he said.
Linder’s bill currently has 54 co-sponsors, but he expects the number to rise and attract bi-partisan support. “There is no way you can make this a Republican or a Democratic issue,” Linder added, “It will benefit all of us.”
The Linder bill is basically a consumption tax that replaces the income tax and is paid proportionately by everyone, based on actual purchases. It does not allow for any exemptions, an aspect of the bill that has drawn opposition, although most governors he has spoken with endorse it. Linder has also met with President Bush, who he hopes will mention it in his State of the Union message in January.
Earlier this year, Linder co-authored a book on the subject with radio talk show host, Neil Boortz, that shot to the top of the New York Times Best Seller List. The congressman, who was a practicing dentist before entering politics, is convinced that it is only a matter of time before the fair tax becomes law. “I’m sure it will happen, “Linder predicted, “And it makes no sense to delay it.”
The luncheon was one of two held annually for Cornerstone members. Billed as an Executive Briefing Luncheon, this one was sponsored by Aquasis and The Coca Cola Company.
