Congressman Doc Hastings

Washington, Aug 10, 2012 -

Each month I receive thousands of emails, phone calls and letters on a variety of topics.  I wanted to share a few questions that I recently received.

What is being done to help create jobs and promote business in the United States?
After 42 straight months with the unemployment rate above eight percent, like most Americans, I believe that job creation must be our top responsibility. I firmly believe that small businesses – and not the federal government – are the true job creators in our economy.  Therefore, I support policies to reduce taxes on small businesses and give them the certainty they need to invest in the economy. In addition, lowering energy costs for families, farmers and small business owners by increasing production of American-made energy will leave more money in their hands to spur economic growth. Lastly, I will continue to support efforts to repeal burdensome and unnecessary regulations that have made it more expensive to do business in the United States in recent years.

Current tax rates are scheduled to expire at the end of this year.  What do you think Congress should do?
If Congress fails to act, Americans face a massive tax hike of $4 trillion on January 1st. That means the average family of four would see their taxes increase by $2,200. The tax rate on small business owners would also increase and could cause a loss of more than 700,000 American jobs. As our economy struggles to recover, we simply cannot afford this tax increase.

This is why I voted on August 1st to extend current tax rates for one year and prevent this tax increase on American families and businesses just as the economy is struggling to recover. I firmly believe that our tax code must be simplified, and this bill would give Congress time to consider comprehensive tax reform legislation. I supported a second bill on August 2nd that creates a fast-track process to consider a bill to close tax loopholes and reducing overall rates next year.

What is being done to protect Medicare?
According to a 2012 Social Security and Medicare Trustee’s Report, without action, the Medicare trust fund will be exhausted in 2024 – a short twelve years away. I was pleased to support the budget blueprint for next year that passed the House of Representatives in March, which strengthens Medicare so that it will be available for future generations without jeopardizing benefits for today’s seniors. Under this plan, Medicare remains the same for those at or near retirement age. Workers under age 55 would have the option to choose among multiple guaranteed coverage options – including the traditional Medicare plan – regardless of pre-existing conditions or health history.  These coverage options would be financed by a premium support system, similar to the current Medicare Part D program that has successfully increased coverage for seniors while reducing overall costs.