Setting the Stage for Tax Reform
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
The Urban Institute
Conference Room 5A
2100 M Street, NW
Washington, DC
Transcript Now Available
The President has called for tax reform to make the tax system simpler, fairer, and more conducive to economic growth, without increasing (or decreasing) the deficit. This Tax Policy Center forum discussed the issues that the tax reform commission would have to grapple with in setting forth proposals that could advance these objectives. Why is the tax code such a mess, and what can be done to fix it? Can the income tax be saved, or should it be scrapped in favor of a tax on consumption? Can the income tax be redesigned so that most taxpayers do not have to file tax returns? What are the implications for tax reform of the proliferation of social programs in the tax code? Is revenue-neutral tax reform politically feasible or desirable?
Moderator:
Julie Kosterlitz
National Journal
Panelists:
William G. Gale
Miller Chair, Brookings Institution and Codirector of the Tax Policy Center; Coeditor, Economic Effects of Fundamental Tax Reform (Brookings Press, 1996)
Pamela Olson
Partner, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, LLP; Assistant Treasury Secretary for Tax Policy, 2002-2004
C. Eugene Steuerle
Senior Fellow, Urban Institute and Codirector of the Tax Policy Center; Deputy Assistant Treasury Secretary for Tax Analysis, 1987-1989, and Economic Coordinator for Treasury's development of the Tax Reform Act of 1986
