Tax reform next, but should we expect better results?

Politicians have an uncommon ability to claim victory in the bleakest of circumstances. Those who are very good at it often rise to powerful positions, like Speaker of the House. Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan is trying to paint a pretty picture about the work being done, or more accurately, not being done, in Washington. During a stop in his home state, Ryan was chastised by constituents for not being able to repeal or replace Obamacare. But rather than shoulder the blame for not being able to generate agreement among House members, Ryan blamed the Senate, pointing to its slim Republican majority. If there were more Republicans, it would be easier to get their bills passed. No doubt it would be easier to get things done if only one party had a say, although I’m not even convinced of that with this bunch. Despite the failure to pass any meaningful legislation during this session of Congress, Ryan remains upbeat on tax reform. He predicts Congress will take up major tax reform legislation in September with passage predicted by the end of the year. The goal is to reduce the number of tax rates, and to simplify tax forms. Worthwhile goals, but we have seen little from this Congress so far that makes us optimistic something as complicated as our tax codes will be easy, or even attainable.