Modern Families, Outdated Laws: Tax Reform Needed To Treat Wives and Mothers Fairly

(Dallas, TX) As we start to see the positive impacts of the most recent tax cuts, our tax code, after decades of poor policy and special interest influence, is still in need of further reforms to make it fairer and simpler.  Those without powerful special interests to advocate for them during the policy debate over the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act still deserve the same opportunity so see relief from the Internal Revenue System (IRS).

The Goodman Institute for Public Policy Research has published a new policy brief entitled, “Modern Families, Outdated Laws” that outlines several achievable reforms that will make the tax code fairer and simpler for families.  Written by former Representative Nan Hayworth (R-NY) the study examines many of regulations that unfairly punish taxpayers –  especially women, wives and mothers.

“Many changes are needed to bring aging institutions into sync with the way people are living their lives in the 21st century,” wrote Congresswoman Nan Hayworth.

From tax codes written decades ago when women were expected to be homemakers to recent regulations in Obamacare preventing spouses from negotiating higher salaries in return for forgoing duplicate health coverage, our government continues to limit individual’s freedoms by treating people unequally.

Some of the policy recommendations include:

  • A fairer tax system for two-earner couples
  • Flexibility in employee benefits laws that allow workers freedom to meet their needs
  • Reforms in labor laws for those not working the traditional 40-hour work week
  • Equal treatment of spouses receiving Social Security retirement and survivors’ benefits

“People can be successful without limiting the freedom or raising the taxes of others,” concluded Hayworth.  “Women in our society should be able to live productive, satisfying lives, without misguided public policies that hold them back.”

The study and complete list of reforms is available at The Goodman Institute for Public Policy Research.

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