Posted on 04/12/2009 11:54:41 AM PDT by cc2k
WASHINGTON - Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) delivers the Weekly Republican Address. Enclosed below is a link to the audio file, You Tube link to the video, and text of the address.
Audio of the address is available here.
Video of the address is available here.
Transcript:
"Hi, I'm Tim Pawlenty, Governor of Minnesota.
"This weekend, my wife Mary and I are finishing up our tax returns - just like I'm sure many of you are.
"It's a time when a lot of us look at our family's finances and ask some pretty tough questions, like are we saving enough for our kids' college? Will we be able to retire at a normal age? And what might happen if the recession gets worse, like it has over the last 2 months, when over 1 million Americans lost their jobs?
"I know for a lot of folks, the answer to these questions are pretty grim these days. Nationwide, unemployment is at a 25-year high as companies lay off employees or go out of business altogether. It's at times like this when families - and businesses - feel a need to hold on to every dollar they can.
"But think about this: according to the non-partisan Tax Foundation, the average American has to work from January 1st until this Monday, April 13th just to earn enough money to pay all their taxes for the year - that's just two days before taxes are actually due, on April 15th.
"And then consider this: If the Democrat majority in Washington gets its way, most family's tax burdens will be even higher.
"Now this isn't a Republican versus Democrat debate. I thought President Obama's proposal to eliminate capital gains taxes for small businesses was a pretty good idea. And his pledge to lower taxes for middle class Americans was something Republicans whole heartedly supported.
"But the budget that Congress is considering doesn't provide that tax relief. And rather than eliminate capital gains taxes for small businesses immediately so they can create jobs right now, their budget keeps those taxes high until after President Obama's term in office. And most concerning, this budget creates mountains of new debt that will ultimately will require higher taxes on all of us and our children.
"I think that's wrong. Families are hurting now and small businesses can't create new jobs soon enough.
"Isn't it time we stopped working for the government and that government started working for us?
"Here's a novel idea for the federal government: instead of collecting more taxes and then redistributing them through more federal programs, why don't you just let us keep more of our money in the first place?
"The federal government should keep a lid on taxes, control government spending, and borrow less - rather than increase the size and scope of the federal government so much that Washington is guaranteeing future tax increases. And while they're at it, they should also focus on making government work better, not making it bigger.
"It's time to prioritize spending, cut taxes to help families pay their bills and stimulate job creation. And let's get control of our national debt, so future generations aren't burdened with unbearable taxes.
"I urge President Obama and the Democrat-led Congress to let hardworking American families keep more of what they earn by cutting taxes and reining in spending. It's just common sense.
"I'm sure you will agree, especially on April 15th when your taxes are due.
"Thank you for listening and have a blessed Passover and Easter."
Guys, I know Pawlenty’s a McCain Republican but this is an excellent statement. Succinct and to the point.
And the DFL is contemplating a tax increase to augment the increase less than a year ago on gas, sales, and I believe cigarettes also.
True, but Tim's still an Al Gore Cap & Trade guy. All of Obama's spending, taxes, inflation and government corporate take overs will be like the dust beneath our feet compared to the cost and effects caused by a UN treaty Cap & Trade program.
Until Pawlenty clearly and publicly rebukes Cap & Trade he won't even get my vote to Governor let alone any other higher office.
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Lookee here, Obama made a bogus tax cut promise and ended up implementing a tax-and-borrow-and-spend budget.
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