Today, Americans for Tax Reform announced that Sen. Jim Banks (R-Columbia City) will chair the Taxpayer Protection Caucus in the Indiana Senate.

To join the caucus, a legislator must have signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, thereby putting their commitment to constituents and state residents to “oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes” in writing.  With the addition of Sen. Banks, there are now 39 Taxpayer Protection Caucuses in 31 states.  Every state (with the exception of unicameral Nebraska) will soon have both a Senate and House caucus consisting of all pledge signers in the legislature.

“Jim Banks is a true fiscal conservative and will serve as an essential proponent for Indiana taxpayers in this leadership role,” said Joshua Culling, Indiana state affairs manager for Americans for Tax Reform. “We couldn’t be happier that Sen. Banks has agreed to chair the Indiana Senate Taxpayer Protection Caucus as an advocate of lower taxes and limited government policies that will help Indiana families and businesses through private sector-led job creation and economic growth.”

The Taxpayer Protection Caucuses provide a single voice on tax issues among pro-taxpayer legislators, and form entire bodies of legislators that believe in the same principle: no new taxes. In Indiana, these seven senators will join together to resist any bills that would raise the net tax burden on Hoosiers. Considering the budget battles many states face across the country, taxes continue to be very high on the radar screen of voters and the media. Journalists will be able to go to the chair of the caucus for comments on tax issues.

 “We look forward to working with Jim Banks in securing more Pledge signers in the Indiana Senate. Until you take tax increases firmly off the table, true and lasting spending restraint is impossible,”added Culling. “Senator Banks is a leader on fiscal issues, and we are ecstatic about his commitment to a fiscally conservative Indiana.”

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