Mr. Chairman, thank you for calling this hearing on perspectives on the need for tax reform. As you stated in your opening, the focus of this hearing is on the need for tax reform, in particular, economic growth, business expansion and job creation.
I agree with you that these are laudable goals, and ones that we must keep as our North Star. I applaud your commitment to listening from all individuals in the search the best tax policies.
The esteemed witnesses here today will testify on the need for tax reform, and I do not doubt the veracity of their testimony. However, note that we have heard from many of these individuals in past. We practically know what they are going to say before they say it. I fear that we need to break out of this feedback loop.
Mr. Chairman, I do believe that we must expand our gaze. Going forward, we must hear from the American public. We should hear from middle-class families, who can talk to need for expanding child tax credit, or from working individuals that should qualify the EITC, but do not.
The tax code’s expansive reach touches everyone across this great country of ours. As such, it demands a thorough examination, to ensure when we fix it, we are doing our best job. This includes listening to the very people that this tax code touches.
Reforming our tax code remains of the utmost importance. I look forward to working with you to ensure our tax code create jobs, promote economic growth, and grows the middle class.
