At the top of the list for lawmakers during this lame duck session of Congress — which takes place after new lawmakers are elected but while the old ones are still in office – is a whole lot of corporate welfare.
You see, while these dozens of lawmakers are voted out, they feel that they are no longer accountable to the people. They see it as their chance to extend their tax giveaways to their friends in big business.
It’s just not fair for taxpayers to bear the burden of politically-connected private businesses. Dozens of corporate and individual tax breaks are set to expire at the end of the year, and it’s gone on long enough.
These include some of the most odious forms of corporate welfare today, which explains why President Obama and Sen. Reid want to pass them as part of end-of-year, “must-pass” legislation before the next administration comes in.
Totaling billions, these tax giveaways include:
Tax credits for maintaining private railroad tracks. Cost to taxpayers: $428 million
Tax credits for NASCAR and Hollywood movie studios. Cost to taxpayers: $26 million
Subsidies for rum producers. Cost to taxpayers: $336 million
Renewable energy subsidies. Cost to taxpayers: at least $7 billion
And more!
Allowing this corporate welfare to end would save taxpayers BILLIONS, and keep Congress from continuing to play favorites with our tax dollars.
Don’t let your lawmaker cave in to lobbyists’ demands — tell them to let the tax extenders expire!
It’s past time our country moves away from systematic corporate welfare.
For Freedom,
Chrissy Harbin
Director of Federal Affairs and Strategic Initiatives, AFP
