Todd Tiahrt: “there was a fascinating article on the front page of the Washington Post last week. The article is entitled ``Voters…”

“there was a fascinating article on the front page of the Washington Post last week. The article is entitled ``Voters Feeling Remote From Issues In Capital.'' One person is quoted as saying, ``Politics in Washington doesn't seem to affect me directly.'' Well, Mr. Speaker, many people do not realize it but Washington does affect them directly. Political choices made in Washington have a direct impact on the amount of taxes they pay. Perhaps people feel that regardless of what politicians say, they know that the tax bill will keep going up. That, in fact, is the way things have been going here in Washington. The family tax burden has steadily climbed upwards from 5 percent in 1950 to 25 percent today. Let me remind my colleagues that is only the Federal tax burden. When we add that with hidden taxes, with State and local taxes, it goes to over 50 percent. Now it is time for a change. It is time for Washington to spend a little less so families can have a little more.”