John Boehner, November 5, 2004

With President Bush set to begin his second term in January -- coupled with the 109th Congress that will begin earlier in that same month -- there’s been a great deal of discussion both inside and outside of the Washington, D.C. beltway about what policy initiatives we can expect to see. During the next two weeks, in this column, I’ll outline a series of major issues that we may see action on in the coming months and years. This week, I’ll discuss domestic policy issues, with foreign policy and national security issues to come next week.

Taxes. The President and Congress ought to make the Bush tax cuts permanent. Many of the tax cuts - including the income tax rate cuts, the reduction in the marriage penalty, the doubling of the child tax credit, and the phase-out of the Death Tax - are set to expire over the course of the next several years. This tax relief must be made permanent so families and businesses can plan for the future with confidence. Beyond this, the President and Congress also will look toward fundamental reform of the outdated and overly-complex federal tax code. By simplifying the code, we will encourage saving and investment while improving the economy’s long-term capacity to create jobs and improve wages.

Social Security. Fifty years ago there were sixteen workers paying into Social Security for every person receiving benefits. Today, there are just three workers for each person on Social Security. In short, unless significant reforms are made, Social Security will face dire financial consequences. To begin, President Bush has stated he will seek no changes in benefits for current retirees or those nearing retirement. We will keep the promises we’ve made to them. However, the President believes - as I do - that younger workers deserve the opportunity to pay into VOLUNTARY personal retirement accounts. These accounts would give workers ownership, control, and the opportunity to use their Social Security payroll taxes to build toward their retirement.

Health care access. In the current Congress, I introduced and the House approved legislation to allow small businesses to band together to provide more affordable health care for their employees, just as large corporations do. President Bush supports this option, which is a cornerstone of his health care agenda. We also will encourage more employers to offer Health Savings Accounts so workers can set aside pre-tax dollars for future medical expenses. And finally, we’ll continue to fight for common sense legal reforms to help prevent skyrocketing medical liability premiums that force doctors to leave rural communities or give up the practice of medicine altogether, that threaten access to needed care, and that drive up health care costs for everyone.

College costs. The price for a college education has never been higher. The top priority for my own House Education Committee next year will be to pass legislation to increase college access for low- and middle-income students. Just as importantly, we will shine light on the factors going into college tuition and fees, so parents and students can make wise choices as consumers in the higher education marketplace. We’ll also lift the limits on federal aid for students who attend lower-cost schools like Edison State and Sinclair Community Colleges.

These initiatives are only the tip of the iceberg. From a comprehensive energy bill to long-term pension security legislation, there are many more domestic priorities on the horizon as well. And, it’s our goal to take on these challenges with an eye toward fiscal responsibility so we can get our federal spending and deficits back under control. That depends on a healthy, growing, and vibrant economy, however. And that’s why keeping taxes low and making the code simpler is such a high priority for both President Bush and Congress.

Congressman John Boehner, a Republican, represents Ohio's Eighth Congressional District, which includes Miami, Butler, Preble, Darke, and Mercer Counties.