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PRESS RELEASE FROM AMERICANS FOR TAX REFORM
Contact: John Kartch ( jkartch@atr.org or 202-785-0266)

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8/1/05

Congressman Bob Beauprez (R-CO) Joins ATR’s Anti-VAT Caucus
Becomes 61st Member to Oppose a Value-Added Tax

WASHINGTON — Congressman Bob Beauprez (R-CO) became the 61st member of the U.S. House to join ATR’s Anti-Value Added Tax (VAT) Caucus. This is the largest that the Anti-VAT Caucus has been since the mid-1990’s. ATR’s anti-VAT caucus is a voluntary affiliation of members of Congress who believe that a VAT is bad tax policy.

A value-added tax differs from a sales tax in that the value-added method places a tax on each stage of production. This allows the government to raise taxes without the full knowledge of the consumer. Since the mid-1960’s, Europe has seen a tax increase of almost 50% due to the value-added tax, while the tax levels in the United States have remained nearly constant.

“’VAT, or a VAT by any other name, is French for “big government,” said ATR President Grover Norquist. “Before the VAT plague descended upon Europe, it had a competitive tax burden relative to the United States.”

The ATR Anti-VAT Caucus seeks to protect citizens from the ease with which government is able to raise taxes under the radar through a value added tax. The caucus is a long-standing ATR project currently chaired by Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA). Prior chairs have included Tom Delay and Dick Armey.

“ATR is pleased to see the resurgence of the anti-VAT caucus, and is thrilled to see such strong interest in Congress,” continued Norquist. “Being saddled with a jobs and growth-killing VAT is too high a price to pay for tax reform, Social Security personal accounts, or any other worthy reform initiative.”

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Americans for Tax Reform is a non-partisan coalition of taxpayers and taxpayer groups who oppose any and all federal and state tax increases.  For more information, or to arrange an interview with Mr. Norquist please contact John Kartch at (202)785-0266 or by email at jkartch@atr.org.