Levin: Tax reform must benefit working families, be fiscally responsible

January 20, 2011

WASHINGTON, DC – The Ways and Means Committee today held the first in a series of hearings on fundamental tax reform. Ranking Member Sander M. Levin (D-MI) issued the following statement:

"We welcome the opportunity to discuss reforming our tax system. Clearly there is a need for tax reform. As was true in 1986, any tax reform will have to be bipartisan and bicameral and will require leadership from the Administration.

"In a way, this hearing is a continuation of the conversation begun by Mr. Rangel with his tax reform proposal several years ago that tried to move ahead this issue of tax reform.

"I hope this hearing will indeed move the ball forward. However let's keep in mind that the code is complex and addressing it through tax reform will not be easy.

"I do think we need to keep in mind some basic principles. First, is the need for our tax system to help create jobs to help promote economic growth. Next, is the need to ensure that reform is fiscally responsible. Lastly, we must keep in mind is that tax reform has to benefit the working families of America.

"Meeting all three of these criteria will not be easy and we will surely disagree along the way. I agree that we need to pursue tax reform and I look forward to working with Chairman Camp and Members on both sides of the aisle to tackle this issue."

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