If You Work for the Government ... by Onan Coca

Congressman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) is tired of hearing the stories of the many federal government employees who are behind on paying their taxes. He’s become so frustrated with them, in fact, that he just authored and supported legislation that would force all federal employees to pay their taxes or lose their jobs!

Whether we like it or not, the law requires that we pay taxes. Unfortunately, a significant number of federal workers have failed to do so and are responsible for $1 billion in unpaid taxes. Those charged with the stewardship of our federal resources and programs should not be among the most delinquent taxpayers.

It seems like the kind of legislation that should be a simple no-brainer, but would you believe there are actually people that disagree with Chaffetz on this?

Congressman Chaffetz explained why this legislation was so important in a recent op-ed for Fox News.com.

Whether we like it or not, the law requires that we pay taxes. Unfortunately, a significant number of federal workers have failed to do so and are responsible for $1 billion in unpaid taxes. Those charged with the stewardship of our federal resources and programs should not be among the most delinquent taxpayers.

Civil service and contract positions in the federal government are highly sought after.  There is a reason federal government jobs turn over at half the rate of private sector positions.  Is it too much to ask that the beneficiaries of taxpayer largesse stay current on their taxes and uphold their civic responsibility?

It is an honor and a privilege to serve in the federal workforce and it is disheartening that so many federal workers are behind on taxes. These employees are not exempt from their civic responsibility to fulfill tax obligations and those who refuse to pay what they owe should be held accountable. 

Americans across the country work hard to fulfill their civic responsibility to pay their taxes on time. Federal workers should not be exempt. Steps must be taken to ensure that those who are delinquent satisfy their tax obligations. If they refuse to do so, they should be held accountable.

This article first published at EagleRising.com

Read more at http://eaglerising.com/17413/conservative-congressman-says-if-you-work-for-the-government-you-must-pay-your-taxes/#C2Z1GGq2MHmpygX3.99