U.S. Rep. David Kustoff (TN-8) provided an update on healthcare, tax and regulatory reform to about 50 NFIB members and guests at Regions Bank in East Memphis on Aug. 2.
Noting the federal tax code hasn’t been changed permanently since 1986, Kustoff said he would like to see only three brackets (“12, 25 and 33 percent”) and a much simpler return for tax filers. “Tax reform needs to get done this year,” he said to the appreciative group of job creators.
He added West Tennessee’s economy is behind other areas of the state, and businesses and individuals need a boost soon to catch up.
“I’m convinced the gubernatorial race will be decided in West Tennessee,” he said. “This area of the state has fallen behind economically. Middle Tennessee is red hot. East Tennessee is doing fine.”
Kustoff noted healthcare in rural areas especially isn’t easy, noting the closing of a hospital in his district and an insurance marketplace that needs to be repaired. “I do feel strongly that people with pre-existing conditions shouldn’t be denied coverage,” he added.
A member of the House Financial Services Committee, Kustoff discussed his support of the CHOICE Act, which has passed the House and is awaiting Senate action. He said the Dodd-Frank law has “handcuffed” mid-sized banks. “The financial crisis didn’t start with community banks,” he said, noting the CHOICE act will remove barriers to growth in his district and across the country.
State Representatives Mark White, Ron Lollar, Ron Gant and Kevin Vaughan participated in the discussion. NFIB member Cary Rotter expressed frustration with the reconciliation process in the Senate, noting several Senate “traditions” that are not in the Constitution should be revisited so more relief for small business and the country can pass.
