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A question from Rod Nunley of Arlington, TX:
Tax Overhaul
Rep. Granger,
Imagine my surprise to discover that the standard deduction now exceeds my itemized deductions, despite owning my home for only 7 years. Tax policy seems to be removing a major incentive for home ownership. Have your spoken with your Texas colleagues, Reps. Armey and Archer, concerning their proposals for abolishing our present income tax system?
Rep. Kay Granger responds:
Thanks for your e-mail from Arlington, Texas. I agree that we must reduce the burden of taxes on American families. I'm pleased that my Texas colleagues, Dick Armey and Bill Archer have carefully developed innovative proposals to scrap the current tax code and replace it with a simpler, less burdensome approach.
While I am still considering both Congressman Armey's flat tax proposal and Congressman Archer's plan for a consumption tax, I am generally inclined towards a flat tax rate that also provides for deductions for home mortgage and charitable contributions. Such an approach would reduce the tax burden on millions of families, while maintaining incentives for home ownership and charitable giving which are essential to our quality of life.
A question from John Graeve of Bedford, TX:
Flex Time
I do not agree with legislation on flex time. We have laws in place for a 40 hour work week. All you are doing is giving corporations legislation for a way of getting around that 40 hour week and not compensating their workers overtime pay due them.
Leave it alone! (Please Respond)
Rep. Kay Granger responds:
That's a great question. This legislation does not deal with "flex time," it only deals with "comp time." The difference is that flex time involves allowing employers to use an 80-hour week when offering time off. "The Working Families Flexibility Act," that I support, leaves the 40-hour work week intact. In fact, in very clear language, our comp time bill specially states that the 40-hour work week must remain the same.
All this bill does is provide an option for employees to voluntarily take time off instead of overtime pay, then that's what they will get. This very bipartisan bill is a way of allowing the option of working men and women to get some time off instead of overtime pay.
A question from Dr. Walter W. Cabe of Ft. Worth, TX:
RE: Informing Democrats in the 12th
Dear Representative Granger:
I was very pleased to learn via the Star-Telegram that this PBS site and the associated project were underway. Congratulations!
However, I encourage you to develop a more proactive communications campaign with those of us who were unwilling to provide Mr. Gingrich with more votes in the 105th session, and continued to vote for the Democratic candidate.
As a supporter of Pete Geren's (and NOT one who agreed with many of his positions -- and told him so! -- and still contributed), I am quite interested in several of the issues which you are addressing, especially the status of women. I serve on the Board of The Women's Center of Tarrant County, and also on the Network Development Advisory Comm. for TCMHMRS.
As active residents of east Fort Worth, we understand the need for community participation and effective collaboration with government at ALL levels.
I was unable to find a direct address for you from this site, but will look forward to hearing from you directly.
Best wishes and our thanks for your leadership.
Rep. Kay Granger responds:
Thank you for your kind words of support and your question. I am happy to see that you are an active constituent in my home town of Fort Worth. Please say hello to Karen Perkins, who does a wonderful job for the Women's Center.
As the first woman to represent the 12th District of Texas, I am a testament that the status of women in our community has improved; however, there is much more progress to be made.
I believe that a strong economy is a woman's best vehicle to progress. A strong economy demands an expanding workforce which in turn opens up more opportunities for women. As competition for labor increases, companies make the workplace more attractive to women by offering options such as daycare, comp time and job sharing.
Also, when the economy is strong, the number of small businesses, many run by women, are the largest job generator for women in the country. I am working to ensure that Congress is "small business friendly" by taking measures to reduce the federal deficit, make health care more affordable to small businesses, stop government mandates, reduce government regulations and paperwork, and find relief from payroll taxes.
Given the opportunity, women will change their own status. A strong economy is the first step in giving women that proving ground.
I am sorry that you haven't been able to reach me directly online, but I should have my own Web site soon. However, if you need to reach me, please call my office at (202) 225-5071 or write me at 515 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
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