Economy and Jobs
Reform the Tax Code
Jim knows that the federal tax system is too complicated, not fair and in need of reform. He believes that the right tax structure for our country is one that is simpler and fairer, lowers rates for hardworking taxpayers, and broadens the base to ensure everyone pays something. Jim will always work to make sure Utah families do not see their tax rates increased.
- Jim voted for the 2001, 2003 and 2010 Bush tax cuts.
- Jim has fought to allow Utah families to keep more of their hard-earned money by supporting commonsense plans to eliminate the ‘marriage penalty,’ cut payroll taxes, double the Child Tax Credit and make the Earned Income Tax Credit more significant.
Help Small Businesses Grow
Small businesses are the engines that drive job creation in our economy. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Utah is home to more than 58,000 small employers. Jim has worked to provide tax, lending and investment incentives to small businesses so that they can grow and hire.
- Jim supports modernizing and making the Research and Development tax credit permanent.
- Jim voted for the Small Business and Infrastructure Jobs Tax Act and the Small Business Jobs Act that provide tax, lending, and investment incentives to small businesses.
Pave the Way for Utah Exports
Nearly one-fifth of products manufactured in Utah depend are sold overseas. These overseas markets support Utah businesses and Utah jobs. The rest of the world is opening markets making trade easier while the United States has remained on the sidelines and lost export market opportunities.
- As a leader of the free trade agenda in the House of Representatives, Jim has spearheaded the effort to open more markets to Utah goods and services, which will help the local manufacturing sector grow and expand.
Invest in infrastructure
Modern highways, bridges, airports and mass transit are a common-sense investment benefits all of us. Improving these public assets put Utahns back to work, makes us all safer, keeps our air cleaner, and saves us time that we could be spending with our families. Jim believes strongly that investing in the nation’s infrastructure is the right thing to do.
- Jim worked with Midvale City to complete construction of a transportation corridor that opened the way for development of Bingham Junction, which now includes both residential and commercial developments that have created jobs and economic growth.
- Jim worked to widen Redwood Road from Bangerter Highway in Salt Lake County to Saratoga Springs in Utah County to alleviate congestion in this rapidly growing part of our state.
- Jim has been a strong advocate of expansion of light rail service to West Valley City and West Jordan so commuters have more choices for their transportation.
Cut red tape
Jim thinks federal regulations must be designed with an eye toward balancing the costs and benefits to communities and businesses. Representatives should stand up to the federal government when it comes to one-size-fits-all regulations that don’t respect the realities of local cities, counties and businesses.
- Specifically, Jim has authored and passed a review of current regulations to eliminate roadblocks that prevent growth and job creation.
- A smarter regulatory process can save communities money, lead to more jobs in fields such as energy and manufacturing, and support a recovery in the housing market.
