TAX BILL: Fuels national debt

For decades the Republican Party has touted the need for fiscal restraint and a balanced budget. Now, however, even with a majority in Congress, they propose to add $1.1 trillion to $1.8 trillion to the national debt over the next 10 years. The present corporate tax of 35 percent is too high; however, reducing the tax to 21 percent with no other replacement funds will likely increase the deficit beyond the present optimistic projections.

History shows the trickle-down philosophy has never covered the loss of reduced tax revenue. We cannot continue to spend $1.23 for every dollar taken in. This is fiscal insanity. The interest on the present national debt is already $440 billion annually.

Congress should retain the alternative minimum tax on very high earners and balance the budget. Then, if their optimistic projections prove to materialize, any surplus could be applied to our national debt.

LEONARD BRANDT

Post Falls