Calling the Shots on Crucial Issues

I have promised not to send out mass mailings at taxpayer expense, using the so-called franking privilege, so I have not conducted any formal surveys of constituent through the mail.

But since this newspaper has made a commiment to inform its readers on issues affecting all of us, I am asking them to allow me to communicate with you on an informal basis by asking you to answer these questions and return this form.

1) Do you favor replacing the current income tax with a flat tax (one rate for everyone, regardless of income with no mortgage or charitable deductions)? Or a national sales tax or a consumption tax, which wouldn't tax you on money you save but only what you spend?

Flat tax: __ Sales tax: __ Consumption tax:__

2) We are making difficult decisions to try to balance the federal budget. Would you support Congress balancing the budget by the year 2002 if this meant slowing the growth of Medicare spending? Medicaid spending? Social Security spending?

Medicare: __ Medicaid: __ Social Security: __

3) Do you believe that agricultural policy should look for alternatives to its income support programs? Should there be a cap on subsidies or income testing to receive agricultural subsidies?

Alternatives: __ What kind: _____________________________________________
Subsidy cap: __ Income testing: __

Congress has cut national defense spending by 40 percent in real terms since 1985. Do you believe that current levels of spending on defense are adequate, too low, or too high?

Adequate: __ Too low: __ Too high: __

5) Do you believe there should be a national commitment to encouraging American culture through the arts?

Yes: __ No: __

Would you support federal arts funding if procedures were reformed so that federal funds would go only toward supporting legitimate arts groups, museums and arts education?

Yes: __ No: __

6) Do you think this Congress has taken significant steps toward making itself more accountable to the American people?

Yes: __ No: __ In what areas would you like to see more progress?

Comments: _________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________

Please send your responses to me at 283 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, and write "SURVEY" on the outside of the envelope. I look forward to hearing from you.