Rep. Hensarling discusses tax bill
BY GLORIA JENNINGS STAFF WRITER

Rusk Mayor Suzann McCarty introduces U.S. Representative Jeb Hensarling at a gathering Tuesday morning at Rusk City Hall. The congressman discussed the American Taxpayer's Bill of Rights.

U. S. Representative Jeb Hensarling (R-Dallas) visited with constituents Tuesday morning at Rusk City Hall. He later went to Jacksonville and spoke at the Noman Activity Center.

Rep. Hensarling spoke on "American Taxpayer's Bill of Rights." He outlined the increase of federal spending as compared to the increase in the family budget.

Rate of growth of the federal budget is five percent compared to 3.5 percent for the family household.

"If something is not done about balancing the budget, Social Security will not be around for future generations. When Social Security was first enacted the average lifespan was 61 years and people began drawing funds at age 65. Now the average age is 71 years. There is about 10 more years for the fund to operate in the black.

"When I was in law school, I took course on the tax codes, but I do not figure my own income tax. Something is wrong when the federal tax code is longer than the Bible," he said.

He has been elected chairman of a conservative group of representatives. The group includes Republicans and "Blue Dog" Democrats.

"My committee thinks it is time to sunset the tax code. We spend more money on tax compliance than to purchase cars, trucks and SUVs in America," Rep. Hensarling said.

The committee members will introduce legislation to accomplish the taxpayer's bill of rights.