TRUMP: Tax code concern

Congress is set to take on tax reform next and President Trump recently released his tax plan. There are many things I like about the president’s tax plan such as reducing the number of brackets from 7 to 4, eliminating the income tax for households earning less than $50,000 per year, and lowering taxes for everyone.

However, I am concerned about the progressive tax code that Trump is proposing. In North Idaho, it is common to see people crossing the border from Washington to purchase tobacco and/or alcoholic products due to the lower consumption taxes on said products in the Gem State.

The state of Washington imposes these higher taxes as a penalty because they want to deter consumers from buying these products, so they go to Idaho to get them for a cheaper price. Income taxes work the same way; when people are penalized for making more money by having to pay more taxes, they get deterred from working harder. This can mean fewer business owners being determined to do better, enterprises outsourcing abroad, or other consequences that are harmful to business.

President Trump’s tax plan has many elements to it that are a step forward such as making it simpler, lowering taxes, and keeping more money in working class families’ pockets. However, a flat tax is essential for prosperity and I believe that it’s an element that needs to be part of the Trump plan instead of a progressive tax.

HAITHAM alMHANA

Spokane