Lee Responds to Court Decision on Gay Marriage Cases

Oct 6, 2014

WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Mike Lee responded to the decision by the Supreme Court to not review several cases involving a state’s right to define marriage:
 
“The Supreme Court’s decision to not review the Tenth Circuit’s ruling in Kitchen v. Herbert is disappointing.  Nothing in the Constitution forbids a state from retaining the traditional definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman.  Whether to change that definition is a decision best left to the people of each state — not to unelected, politically unaccountable judges. The Supreme Court owes it to the people of those states, whose democratic choices are being invalidated, to review the question soon and reaffirm that states do have that right.”

Bring Them In - Remarks to the Sutherland Institute's Center for Utah's Economy

Oct 2, 2014

Despite trillions of taxpayer dollars spent to eradicate poverty since the late 1960s, the poverty rate across the country has hardly budged. And nearly every strategy we have employed in this “war” – dealing with everything from health care to criminal justice – has failed to achieve genuine change in our most vulnerable communities.

Lee Responds to Chairman Priebus’ Remarks on a GOP Agenda

Oct 2, 2014

WASHINGTON – Following Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus’ speech at George Washington University entitled “Principles for an American Renewal,” Senator Mike Lee released the following response:

LEE: “Chairman Priebus has laid out the case for how Republicans should succeed this fall.  We have a broad agenda to address Americans’ economic and national security concerns, while the Democrats are forced to run on their failed record of Obamacare, unemployment, and debt.  The choice couldn’t be more clear and it’s up to the American people to decide the course we take.

“Chairman Priebus succinctly expressed Republican core principles and values, and presented numerous examples of solutions Republicans have produced by applying those principles to the challenges facing working families today.  We have proposals to increase economic security among the middle class, improve mobility for working-class families, and ensure the system is no longer rigged for those at the top.

“It is an ambitious vision for the future of our country and demonstrates the kind of leadership Americans are desperate for.  I am encouraged that the GOP is the party of ideas once again.”

First Annual Utah Fallen Heroes Day

Oct 1, 2014

I was honored that members of my staff could attend the First Annual Utah Fallen Heroes Family Day at Neptune Park in Saratoga Springs.  This event was organized by The Patriot Guard Riders of Utah, Blue Star Mothers, Survivor Outreach Service Support, and the City of Saratoga Springs.  The event was held to honor and show gratitude to the families of our military and first responders who gave their lives in service to our country and communities.

fallen heroes

Lee to Speak at Sutherland on Anti-Poverty Agenda

Oct 1, 2014

Senator Mike Lee will speak this evening at an event sponsored by The Sutherland Institute to discuss efforts to reform federal anti-poverty programs to increase economic security among the middle class and improve mobility for working-class families.

Leading Conservatives Welcome Lee-Rubio Tax Plan

Sep 24, 2014

Yuval Levin: “[T]he general outline is a very pro-growth reform of the business tax code alongside a version of the pro-growth and pro-family reform of the individual tax code …” (Yuval Levin, Op-Ed, “The Next Conservative Tax Reform,” NRO, 9/23/14)

  • Levin: “In terms of both policy and politics, this combination of business and individual tax reforms would seem to have great promise.” (Yuval Levin, Op-Ed, “The Next Conservative Tax Reform,” NRO, 9/23/14)
  • Levin: “[T]he approach they lay out seems like a plausible general outline for the next conservative tax reform.” (Yuval Levin, Op-Ed, “The Next Conservative Tax Reform,” NRO, 9/23/14)

Reihan Salam: “The good news is that a small number of elected conservatives, led by Utah Sen. Mike Lee and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, have been pointing the ways towards a GOP worth supporting.” (Reihan Salam, Op-Ed, “How Corporate Tax Reform Can Combat Crony Capitalism,” NRO, 9/23/14)

  • Salam: “[Senators] Lee and Rubio have outlined a new tax proposal that is a much bigger deal than it appears to be at first glance.” (Reihan Salam, Op-Ed, “How Corporate Tax Reform Can Combat Crony Capitalism,” NRO, 9/23/14)
  • Salam: “[I]t is Lee and Rubio’s approach to overhauling corporate taxes that deserves particularly close attention. … If Lee and Rubio follow through on all of these steps, they will spark a revolution in the way business is done in America.” (Reihan Salam, Op-Ed, “How Corporate Tax Reform Can Combat Crony Capitalism,” NRO, 9/23/14)
  • Salam: “In a few short months, these two lawmakers have gotten off to an excellent start. If congressional Republicans are to ever deserve the support of rank-and-file conservatives across the country, they should follow Lee and Rubio’s lead.” (Reihan Salam, Op-Ed, “How Corporate Tax Reform Can Combat Crony Capitalism,” NRO, 9/23/14)

AEI’s James Pethokoukis: “Lee and Rubio offer smart, modern tax reform” (James Pethokoukis, “Lee and Rubio offer smart, modern tax reform,” AEI, 9/24/2014)

  • Pethokoukis: “Republicans Mike Lee and Marco Rubio have sketched out an ambitious tax reform plan to boost business spending and increase take-home pay for America’s beleaguered middle-class families.” (James Pethokoukis, “Lee and Rubio offer smart, modern tax reform,” AEI, 9/24/2014)
  • Pethokoukis: “The senators have fashioned a pro-growth, pro-family, pro-innovation plan rooted in economic and political reality that deserves serious consideration as a key element in any agenda for reenergizing the American economy.” (James Pethokoukis, “Lee and Rubio offer smart, modern tax reform,” AEI, 9/24/2014)
  • Pethokoukis: “But developing a real-world tax reform plan — one that boosts family incomes, makes American companies more competitive, invests in human and business capital, simplifies the code, increases GDP growth, and achieves revenue neutrality without unrealistic assumptions — is tricky business. The Lee and Rubio plan — at least as outlined — already ticks a lot of those boxes.” (James Pethokoukis, “Lee and Rubio offer smart, modern tax reform,” AEI, 9/24/2014)

Americans for Tax Reform (ATR): “These tax proposals are a great contribution to the current tax debate and anyone serious about tax reform should support these measures.” (Jesus Rodriguez, “Rubio-Lee Tax Reform Plan Good for Growth, Good for Families,” ATR, 9/23/14)

  • ATR): “ATR is supportive of three important components of their proposed tax plan.” (Jesus Rodriguez, “Rubio-Lee Tax Reform Plan Good for Growth, Good for Families,” ATR, 9/23/14)
  • “ATR supports reducing the business tax rate. … ATR supports Rubio and Lee’s full expensing tax relief proposal. … ATR supports Rubio and Lee’s territorial taxation proposal.” (Jesus Rodriguez, “Rubio-Lee Tax Reform Plan Good for Growth, Good for Families,” ATR, 9/23/14)

YG Network: “Simplifying the tax infrastructure to just two income tax brackets—15% and 35%—would eliminate unfair deductions. [link]” (YG Network, Twitter, 9/23/2014)

  • YG Network: “Eliminating the marriage and parent tax penalties will help hard working American families gain an economic foothold. [link]” (YG Network, Twitter, 9/23/2014)
  • YG Network: “We need pro-family, pro-growth tax reform that benefits working middle-class families. [link]” (YG Network, Twitter, 9/23/2014)

Ramesh Ponnuru: “The result of this reform would be a simpler business tax system, more investment in the U.S. and less corporate debt.” (Ramesh Ponnuru, “Obama Is Inverted on Inversions,” Bloomberg, 9/23/2014)

Steve Forbes: “Senators Lee and Rubio propose something closer to a #FlatTax [link]” (Steve Forbes, Twitter, 9/23/2014)

CNBC’s Larry Kudlow: “[G]ood start …” (Larry Kudlow, Twitter, 9/23/2014)

The Daily Caller: “Lee And Rubio Outline Ambitious Plan To Reform Tax Code” (Rachel Stoltzfoos, “Lee And Rubio Outline Ambitious Plan To Reform Tax Code,” The Daily Caller, 9/23/14)

Tax Foundation’s Andrew Lundeen: “Plenty to like in the Rubio/Lee business tax reforms: [link]” (Andrew Lundeen, Twitter, 9/23/2014)

American Council for Capital Formation’s Margo Thorning: “Senator @marcorubio & @SenMikeLee's #taxreform plan will spur US investment…” (Margo Thorning, Twitter, 9/23/2014)

YG Network’s April Ponnuru: “Very important piece by [Sens. Mike Lee and Marco Rubio]. Conservatives can and should be pro-growth AND pro-family. [link]” (April Ponnuru, Twitter, 9/23/2014)

Real Clear Politics’ Nicholas G. Hahn III: “Spot on …” (Nicholas G. Hahn III, Twitter, 9/23/2014)

Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Vance Ginn: “How to provide pro-growth tax reform. The general direction of a flatter national income tax rate is wise. [link]” (Vance Ginn, Twitter, 9/23/2014)

Michael Medved: “I love your tax reform proposal. I think it’s just what’s needed to maybe get us off the dime and get us moving in the right direction.” (Michael Medved Interview with Senators Marco Rubio and Mike Lee, “The Michael Medved Show,” YouTube, 9/23/2014)

  • Medved: “Radical and very encouraging …” (Michael Medved Interview with Senators Marco Rubio and Mike Lee, “The Michael Medved Show,” YouTube, 9/23/2014)
  • Medved: “One of the things I love Senator Rubio is this follow on to some previous, very imaginative, very dynamic anti-poverty proposals that you have put on the table.” (Michael Medved Interview with Senators Marco Rubio and Mike Lee, “The Michael Medved Show,” YouTube, 9/23/2014)

A Pro-Family, Pro-Growth Tax Reform

Sep 23, 2014

Too many Americans believe the American dream is slipping away for them and their children. They see their cost of living rise while their paychecks remain stagnant. They see an economy that benefits stockbrokers but not stock clerks. They see the ladder of economic opportunity being pulled farther up and out of their reach.

Lee Announces #HonorUtahVeterans Instagram Gallery

Sep 22, 2014

SALT LAKE CITY - Today Senator Mike Lee announced that he is collecting pictures through Instagram to display in his offices in honor of Veterans Day.  In announcing this effort, Senator Lee said, "Utah is home to over 150,000 veterans.  While each veteran has their own unique experience in serving our country, our appreciation for their service is universal.  As we approach Veterans Day on November 11, I am creating a photo gallery display in my Senate office memorializing the service of Utah’s veterans.  If you are one of the brave Americans who has served or is serving, or if you are the friend or family member of a veteran - you are invited to share a photograph on Instagram that captures their commitment to country and their willingness to sacrifice. Please help me remember and honor those who have stood tall for freedom and inspire the next generation of Americans to do the same."

Photos may be historical from their period of active duty or a present day picture showcasing their spirit, pride, honor and legacy.  Utahns are asked to share their photos on Instagram using the hashtag #HonorUtahVeterans.  Full details on how to participate can be found on lee.senate.gov/UTVETMIL

Pictures will be collected until November 7, 2014.  Based on the number of submissions, Senator Lee's office will determine the best way to display the photos that are submitted.  Those who submit photos can also visit lee.senate.gov/UTVETMIL to share the stories behind their photos, and Senator Lee will include these stories in the copy of the first Congressional Record that is published after Congress returns to session following Veterans Day.

vet photo gallery

A Framework for Reforming PILT

Sep 18, 2014

Today I attended a conference hosted by the National Association of Counties to discuss the importance and future of Payment in Lieu of Taxes funding.  I appreciated the opportunity to speak to this group, so I could share my thoughts on how we can ensure that a dispropotionate share of the costs and burdens of federal land ownership aren't concentrated in counties with high levels of federal land.

pilt fliers

Materials from the conference that highlight the problematic relationship bewteen PILT and federal lands

In my remarks to this group I identified several areas that we need to focus on as we work together to improve the PILT program and make it more reliable for the counties that rely on the federal government to keep its promise to offset the costs associated with high concentrations of federal land.

I emphasized that PILT is not an entitlement program. It is an affirmative obligation of the federal government. It must not be legislatively partnered with subsidies or other entitlements, because, as we have seen, PILT is being used as a politcal football.  I will continue to work toward funding PILT as either a standalone bill or any other vehicle where Congress can focus on fully funding PILT with a long term bill that provides certainty to counties.

pilt speech

I also pointed out that the most important thing we need to focus on in improving the PILT program is to educate those who come from states with little federal land about the nature of this program.  Every day I work to educate my colleagues about the unique challenges faced by states with high levels of public land.  However, this education effort needs to be promoted by everyone who is concerned with the future of PILT.  I am hopeful that those who attended this conference today will join me in this effort.

 

A Gross Dereliction of Duty

Sep 18, 2014

It is a gross dereliction of that duty – and an insult to those men and women – to tack on a military authorization to this must-pass spending bill, just so members of Congress can hurry back home.