Tuesday, September 21, 2004                                        

For Immediate Release

Walden Named “Hero of the Taxpayer”

Americans for Tax Reform recognize Walden’s strong voting record, protection of taxpayers

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Greg Walden (R-OR) last week was honored as a “Hero of the Taxpayer” by Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) at a ceremony in the U.S. Capitol.  In addition to having a 95% voting record with ATR on key legislation tracked by the group during the second session of the 108^th Congress, Walden has signed their Taxpayer Protection Pledge opposing tax increases on individuals and businesses.

“Representative Greg Walden is squarely on the side of taxpayers, and Americans for Tax Reform offers its thanks and congratulations,” said ATR President Grover Norquist.  “As far as Greg Walden is concerned, taxpayers back home have a friend.”

“It is an honor to be recognized as a friend to taxpayers, and I am proud of my voting record on issues important to hard working men and women in America,” said Walden.  “There is a fundamental principle at hand – no one knows better what to do with your money than you.  Allowing families to control more of the money they earn helps to stimulate our economy, boosting much need job creation throughout the Second District and the nation as a whole.”

“My wife and I have been small business owners in Oregon for over 18 years, and we understand that excessive taxation is a significant obstacle to creating new, good-paying jobs, jobs that are critical to reducing Oregon’s outrageous unemployment rate,” continued Walden. 

Votes rated by ATR this year included those on the child tax credit, tax cuts for the middle class, spending growth controls, business expensing, tort reform, fair trade and overtime regulation.  The advocacy organization is a non-partisan coalition of taxpayers and taxpayer groups who oppose federal, state and local tax increases.  Walden has had a 95% or better rating with ATR in four of the last five sessions of Congress.

Congressman Walden represents the Second Congressional District of Oregon, which includes 20 counties in southern, central and eastern Oregon. He is a Deputy Whip in the House leadership structure and a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce as well as the Committee on Resources.