April 10, 2008 – Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-02), has once again been awarded the “Taxpayer’s Friend Award” by the non-partisan National Taxpayers Union (NTU.)  The award is presented to those Members who achieve an “A” grade in NTU’s annual Rating of Congress. The Rating, which is based on every roll call vote affecting fiscal policy, assigns a “Taxpayer Score” to each Member of Congress that indicates his or her support for reducing or controlling federal spending, taxes, debt, and regulation. For 2007, a total of 427 House and 182 Senate votes were selected.

“One of the most critical responsibilities of the United States Congress is its power of the public purse.” Franks stated.  “As elected officials we have a tremendous duty to manage taxpayer dollars in a way that will fulfill our Constitutional responsibilities while placing the lowest possible tax burden on hard-working American citizens.” 

From 2006 to 2007, the average “Taxpayer Score” in the House fell four points to 35 percent. In the Senate, the average pro-taxpayer score fell 11 points to 37 percent. In 2007, 52 lawmakers earned scores sufficient to win the Taxpayers’ Friend Award (at least 85 percent in the House and 80 percent in the Senate). Meanwhile, more than 260 Members captured the title of “Big Spender” for scoring 16 percent or less in the House and 14 percent or less in the Senate.

NTU is a nonpartisan, nonprofit citizen group founded in 1969 to work for lower taxes, smaller government, and economic freedom at all levels.

Note: For questions about NTU’s Rating, history, or methodology, please contact NTU Vice President for Policy and Communications Pete Sepp or NTU Communications Manager Natasha Altamirano at (703) 683-5700.