WASHINGTON, DC -- A new poll finds 6 out of 10 Americans believe the current tax system is unfair. Discontent with the system spanned all income groups, with a majority of respondents saying the middle class, self-employed and small businesses pay too much in taxes. Additionally, they reason those with high incomes and big businesses don't pay enough taxes.

Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) agrees and has introduced legislation, the “Transform America Transaction Fee,” a bold and innovative tax reform plan that calls for the elimination of all federal taxes. The proposed transaction fee would generate revenues equivalent to current collections from all federal taxes, while conceivably supplying additional income.  The excess funds would serve to eliminate the current national debt, provide universal health care, support an equitable public school finance system, and fund economic development in urban and rural areas.

The bill, H.R. 1601, is currently languishes in the House Ways and Means Committee. The Republicans have refused to move the legislation to the House Floor to give the Democratic proposal a fair debate.

“On a day when Americans are required to file their income taxes, they should be able to count on their Representatives that would offer a solution to the unnecessarily complex and cumbersome process of the current tax system.  The American people deserve a more fair and equitable system,” said Congressman Fattah.

Tax reform is likely to remain an essential concern until reform has been enacted. 
For more information on the transaction fee, visit the ‘Tax Corner” at www.house.gov/fattah}