Crapo Recognized for Pro-Taxpayer Voting Record

Washington, D.C. - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, has earned the National Taxpayer Union's (NTU) "Taxpayers' Friend Award" for 2011 for his pro-taxpayer voting record.  The NTU, a nonpartisan citizen group, awards members of congress who consistently vote to reduce and control the burden on American taxpayers. 

Because of his commitment to cut spending and balance the budget, Crapo was given one of the highest scores in the Senate at 90 percent.  The NTU's annual rating system does not solely focus on a handful of equally weighted key votes, unlike many other organizations.  Rather, every vote in the Senate is scored and each member of the Senate who scores a 90 percent or higher is awarded the "Taxpayers' Friend Award." 

"As of this month, the United States has the highest rate of combined corporate taxes in the world," Crapo said.  "Raising taxes is a sure way to discourage small businesses from creating jobs.  Comprehensive tax reform, including lowering the corporate tax rate, would help make America the best place to start and grow a business and create jobs. 

As a member of the National Commission on Fiscal Reform and Responsibility and the "Gang of Six," Crapo has been deeply involved in tax reform discussions and debt reduction efforts.  Crapo recognizes that trying to raise more revenue by raising tax rates will have a harmful effect on the economy, on jobs and ultimately on the amount of revenue collected by the government. 

 "If every Member of Congress voted as carefully as Senator Crapo, current and future generations of Americans could enjoy much lower taxes and a less wasteful government," NTU President Duane Parde said.  "Hard-working families in Idaho and across the nation owe Senator Crapo a debt of gratitude for his effort on their behalf.  Senator Crapo has truly earned the title 'Taxpayers' Friend.'"