Koch-backed group launches new ads on tax reform

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) on Thursday announced that it is launching a new wave of ads on tax reform — this time targeting Republican senators.

This is the third set of ads that AFP, which is backed by wealthy GOP mega-donors Charles and David Koch, has released as part of a six-figure campaign on tax reform. The previous sets targeted members of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee and Senate Democrats.

The latest ads, which will run online, urge senators to “support AFP’s plan to un-rig the economy,” according to a news release.

AFP and other groups in the Koch network have five principles on tax reform: simplicity, efficiency, equitability, predictability and a lack of new burdens on taxpayers.

{mosads} GOP senators who are being targeted with the ads include Sens. Dean Heller (Nevada) and Ted Cruz (Texas), who are both up for reelection in 2018.

The new wave of ads follows a weekend of meetings between the Koch network and donors in Colorado. During the event, AFP President Tim Phillips said that the group this summer plans to engage in grassroots efforts in all 36 states where it has chapters.

“Taxpayers are counting on Congress to deliver them a significant victory with comprehensive tax reform this year,” Phillips said in a statement Thursday. “In order to get it accomplished, we need members in both chambers to back a set of fundamental principles – make the tax code fairer and flatter without adding new burdens or special breaks.”  

“We’re looking forward to keeping this conversation open all summer and mobilizing our grassroots infrastructure to hold lawmakers accountable,” Phillips added. “Congress should know the support for these principles is out there if they are willing to be bold.”