Mike in the News

APRIL 29 - PADGETT ASKS: WHAT HAPPENED TO THE MIDDLE CLASS? Sevier County News

NASHVILLE - Mike Padgett, candidate for the U.S. Senate, visited the SevierCountyNews.com Sevierville office on Monday to talk about the economy, health care, and other issues of concern to Tennesseans.

Padgett says a flat tax like the one promoted by Senator Alexander does a lot for the wealthiest Tennesseans but little for the struggling middle class.

"Take the few folks who make more than $350,000 a year. A flat rate would cut their tax bill in half," Padgett said. "What do the folks in the middle get? A slight change in their taxes and an easier form to fill out."

Senator Alexander said earlier this week that he liked the idea of an optional 17 percent flat tax on individuals and businesses, and he touted the simplicity of having only a one-page form to fill out.

"If Senator Alexander were serious about lifting some of the load off of the working class, he would not have voted at least a dozen times to block tax cuts that were targeted for middle- and lower-income taxpayers," Padgett said.

"What about tax cuts that would really make a difference in the working family's budget - a tuition tax credit equal to 50 percent of college costs, for example, or a first-time homeowner tax credit? How about doubling the tax credit for child-care expenses?

"How do you pay for them? You reduce the tax breaks we are giving the biggest earners instead of expanding them, as Senator Alexander's flat tax would do.

As gas prices hit an average $3.50 a gallon, Padgett says it has never been more urgent that we find other ways to fill our tanks.

"Alternative energy sources aren't just something we roll out and talk about on Earth Day anymore," Padgett said. "They are the best way to cut down on how much of this outrageously expensive foreign oil we're using."

In 2008, the average Tennessee family will spend close to $5,000 on gas.

"A fellow told me last night he spent more than $90 to fill up his pickup," Padgett said. "Remember when gas was $1.24 a gallon? That was the average cost before Senator Alexander took office.

"Stand with me, and I'll push for tax law that puts prosperity back in the hands of those who work hardest for it and who will drive economic recovery in this country."

William "Mike" Padgett is former Knox County Clerk and small business owner. He and Patty, his wife of 37 years, have three grown children, Matt, Mark and Sara Beth.

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