Bill Owens’ Twisted Logic

Bill Owens’ Twisted Logic

Tax Hikes Save New York Taxpayers’ Money?

Washington- Democrat candidate Bill Owens is either having trouble getting his facts straight or has a strikingly different definition of taxpayer-friendly policies than the families and small businesses that will have to pay for them. This weekend, Owens attempted to gloss over his previous position by claiming that he would only back a plan that saves money and goes easy on small businesses:

“Owens says he’ll back a plan that saves taxpayers money, doesn’t hurt small businesses, and cracks down on insurance companies denying coverage because of pre-existing conditions.” (“Health Care Debate in North Country, WWNY-TV, 09/19/09)

But this latest rhetoric is notably different than the stance he took a few short weeks ago when he opened the door to new taxes on employees’ healthcare benefits:

“Federal lawmakers are considering taxing an employee’s health benefits to fund changes to the federal health-care system…..Mr. Owens gave no position but said it’s an idea ‘that I would have to look at very, very carefully.’” (Jude Seymour, “Hoffman vows not to raise government tax take,” Watertown Daily Times, 09/01/09)

“Bill Owens is already trying to have it both ways when it comes to raising taxes and funding his party’s government healthcare takeover,” said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain. “By Owens’ own twisted logic, his party’s reckless healthcare agenda can save taxpayers money by forcing them to hand more of it over to the federal government. Owens’ stance might amount to legislative nonsense, but at least he seems to have paid close attention to the two-faced rhetoric being spouted by his party bosses in Washington.”

While central and northern New York families are looking for a leader to stand up to Washington’s ongoing spending spree, Bill Owens can’t manage to take a consistent stance on the most pressing political and policy issue of the day. As Owens continues to attempt to cover his irresponsible loyalty to his party’s unpopular agenda, it’s clear he’s more interested in political games than real leadership.

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