Pawlenty says tax burden to increase

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) used the weekly Republican address to urge President Obama and Congress not to overburden taxpayers ahead of April 15.

“This isn’t a Republican versus Democrat debate. I thought President Obama’s proposal to eliminate capital gains taxes for small businesses was a pretty good idea,” Pawlenty said. “And his pledge to lower taxes for middle class Americans was something Republicans whole heartedly supported.”

{mosads}”But the budget that Congress is considering doesn’t provide that tax relief. And rather than eliminate capital gains taxes for small businesses immediately so they can create jobs right now, their budget keeps those taxes high until after President Obama’s term in office. And most concerning, this budget creates mountains of new debt that ultimately will require higher taxes on all of us and our children,” he added.

The Tax Foundation, the Washington-based anti-tax think tank, estimates the average American will work until Monday, April 13, to pay their 2009 taxes, Pawlenty said.

“Here’s a novel idea for the federal government: instead of collecting more taxes and then redistributing them through more federal programs, why don’t you just let us keep more of our money in the first place?” Pawlenty asked. “The federal government should keep a lid on taxes, control government spending, and borrow less – rather than increase the size and scope of the federal government so much that Washington is guaranteeing future tax increases.”

Pawlenty, who is considered a prospective 2012 presidential candidate, has impressed Washington-based conservatives. Still, Pawlenty told The Hill in late February he is still considering whether to seek a third term as governor.

Pawlenty concerned some anti-tax advocates when he approved a cigarette tax hike, though a court later determined it was a user fee instead of a tax.