Roanoke Area FairTax

Robert L. Matzuga found a way to speak to 5th District Congressman Tom Perriello about the FairTax and sent me his report.  Robert’s example is one that every one of us can follow in our own Districts.  Spread the word!

I’m pleased to inform you that I was able to attend Congressman Tom Perriello’s Town Hall Meeting at Moneta Elementary School on March 27th.

After his opening remarks, he opened the meeting to questions from the audience.

After a few questions I was able to get a feel for the tone of the audience. When two questions dealt with tax issues and fairness (i.e. tax targeting AIG bonus recipients and offshore profits, etc.)… I pounced!

I prefaced my comments noting President Obama’s appointment of Paul Voelker as head of the Tax Reform Committee and its importance to our country, since their recommendations are due in December 2009.

I took the opportunity to present him with his own personal copy of the FairTax Book and then challenged him to read the book and return to Moneta in 30-45 days to discuss the FairTax, his position on HR 25, and hopefully his co-sponsorship of this legislation with us.

After accepting his FairTax Book, he commented on his current position, which I understood to be that there are things he likes about it (i.e. simplicity, trade benefits, attempts to mitigate penalizing the poor via prebate), and he also has reservations (i.e. what will the real retail tax be-23% or 40%+ as some suggest and concern for tax shift to the middle class). 

He indicated that he would like to meet with us again to discuss the FairTax and that he will read up on it to see if he can support HR25.

All in all, I am glad that I attended the meeting and was perhaps able to promote the FairTax.  I have contact info for the Congressman’s staff guy (who wound up with the book) and will attempt to hold them to their word!