Another response that leaves much to be desired…every time I write my representatives, they write me back and tell me what THEY want to see happen. Who cares? I want them to do what *I* want to see happen (sad smile).

Here’s the latest response, dated January 16th, 2009:

Dear Mr. Guhlin,

Thank you for contacting me about including funding for the Enhancing Education through Technology (EETT) program in legislation to address the current economic situation. I will keep your comments in mind as this legislation comes before the House.

We agree that we need to be sure that any action we take will actually benefit the economy.

More government spending, a bigger deficit, and higher taxes do not serve as an economic stimulus. Instead, that is a recipe for weakening the economy. According to a survey by Rasmussen Reports, 58% of voters say more tax cuts will better stimulate the economy than new government spending. Only 32% think the government should pass another economic stimulus package.

We need to enact real pro-growth strategies that will protect homes, jobs, and retirement savings. Here are some of the reforms I support to help get our economy back on track:

o Create jobs and reduce energy and food costs by enacting an “all of the above” energy plan.

o Bring American jobs back home by lowering the tax rate on profits that companies bring back to the United States.

o Encourage home purchases by easing capital gains rules for homes purchased in the next 18 months and held for at least five years.

o Spur economic growth by immediately suspending the capital gains rate from 15 percent for individuals and 35 percent for corporations for equities purchased during the next two years.

o Lower the corporate tax rate to encourage American companies to assist with the financial recovery and provide them an incentive to invest in distressed assets.

o Suspend rules that require individuals age 70 to begin withdrawing from their Individual Retirement Accounts. This would spare investors from being forced to sell their stocks at just the time when the market is hurting the most.

Again, thank you for your letter. For more information about my work in Congress or to send me an electronic message, please visit the 21st District’s website, http://lamarsmith.house.gov.

Sincerely,

Lamar Smith
Member of Congress

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