NEW CASTLE —
U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly says there needs to be a compromise to avoid the “fiscal cliff.”
However, the Butler Republican indicated President Obama’s proposal to increase taxes on the top 2 percent of Americans should not be part of that compromise.
Raising taxes, he said, “is a non-starter.”
Kelly won election to his second term from the 3rd District last month and will begin representing most of Lawrence County in January. He was recently appointed to the House Ways and Means Committee, the tax-writing panel in the House.
The “fiscal cliff” refers to tax increases as well as spending cuts in defense and domestic programs that will occur if Congress does nothing by the end of this year.
Though he spoke of the need for compromise, Kelly said, “I don’t see that from the president.”
Nonetheless, Kelly said, the president is the key person regarding discussions on how to solve the country’s financial problems.
“He has to be the person to bring both sides together.”
Right now, there is no such discussion, he said.
Kelly disputes the notion that last month’s election gave Obama “an overwhelming mandate” to raise taxes.
He said there is “a far greater number” that wants reform.
“If we don’t rein in our spending, we’re never going to raise enough revenue.”
Kelly added, “You have to have meaningful discussions about what is driving the debt.”
Congress and the president need to come up with solutions to preserve Medicare and Social Security and “find new metrics” to save them for younger people, he said.
“We have to fix this thing and not just put a Band-Aid on it. There has to be meaningful reform to these programs.”
Though he acknowledges such reform cannot occur by year’s end, Kelly said. “You can start a framework.”
He said the proposal put forth earlier in the week by House GOP leaders “makes a lot of sense.”
The plan calls for raising revenue by closing loopholes, capping deductions within the tax code, making changes to entitlement programs and cutting spending. Obama rejected the proposal.
Asked whether he is optimistic that the fiscal cliff can be avoided, Kelly said, “I’m optimistic that the speaker isn’t going to stop trying.”
(Email: jmanna@ncnewsonline.com)
Closer Look
Related Photos
-
Mike Kelly
Discussion
Kelly: Tax increase a non-starter
- Closer Look
-
-
John K. Manna: Data shows decline in number of primary voters
Voter participation isn’t what it used to be. That’s nothing new, but there has been a significant drop in voting here in Lawrence County. And it’s happened suddenly, particularly in the so-called “off-year” elections.
-
Primary 2013: School board candidate tops campaign spending
Historically, spending by school board candidates has paled in comparison to those running for other local offices. But not this year, at least with one candidate — George J. Gabriel.
-
On the Record: A listing of today’s police items and district judge reports
On the Record is a periodic update of public information coming out of the Lawrence County Government Center and local police departments. Look inside for the latest listing of police items and district judge reports.
-
Lawmakers looking at special education funding
The state hands out special education dollars under a flawed formula that gives schools the same amount of money, regardless of how many students need services or how intense and costly those services are, lawmakers said.
-
Our Opinion: We endorse candidates for New Castle board
The New Castle school district is often a study in contrasts. There are complaints about the district on everything from taxes to nepotism, from test scores to ethical slights. Yet at the same time, plenty of students within the district excel. It’s a tribute to the hard work of those students, their families and the educators who support them.
-
Our Opinion: You should be frightened, outraged by IRS abuse of power
When people talk about government posing a threat to citizens, a common topic these days is unmanned drones. But a more credible threat may be the Internal Revenue Service. This agency, responsible for collecting taxes and enforcing related rules, has the ability to make life miserable for the average individual.
-
Supervisors undecided on radio tower
The Neshannock Township fire department is waiting for the supervisors to decide whether it will get a new radio tower. Chairman Ralph Sheen said at Tuesday’s supervisors meeting he had gone to look at the tower on the Clen-Moore station after being told it is in disrepair.
-
Mahoning to be paid for Edinburg easement
Mahoning Township will get $53,000 for an easement on property in Edinburg. The supervisors unanimously approved a contract Tuesday allowing Pennant Midstream — a Marcellus Shale oil and gas development company — to run 100 feet of pipe through township-owned property off First Street.
-
Shenango board not raising taxes
The Shenango Area School Board has introduced a $15.8 million budget that requires no tax increase. The $15,819,792 spending plan for the 2013-14 school year is $43,012 higher than the current budget.
-
Shenango hires three teachers
The Shenango Area School Board hired three elementary teachers for the 2013-14 school year. They are:
- More Closer Look Headlines
-
