Olathe , Kan – Former State Rep. Patricia Lightner, Republican candidate for Congress in the 3rd District of Kansas, reacted strongly to the news that President Obama may be considering a value-added tax (VAT), which would impose a tax the value that is added at each stage of production of certain commodities.

“Despite months of denials, President Obama has suggested he is open to a VAT tax. Given the tenuous nature of the American economy, such an action would have a devastating impact on the American economy and must be rejected. I urge all Americans to contact both the White House and Congress and tell them to just say no to VAT,” said Lightner.

She added that the fact Obama and Pelosi are even open to such an idea shows how out of touch they are with the American people.

“The American people are the ones paying the bills for the reckless spending and massive debt our nation has incurred because of a lack of discipline and principle in our nation’s leaders. To force them to shoulder the burden in form of yet another massive tax is not only economically destructive, it is also wrong. The people have spoken, and not only do Obama and Pelosi not listen, they dare to come back and suggest we give them more money out of our pocketbook,” said Lightner.

Lightner concluded by saying the real answer to the nation’s deficit lies in a very simple rule.

“The solution to our nation’s economic and budget crisis is simple – don’t tax, don’t spend. That’s why I’ve proposed a Balanced Budget Amendment that requires a 2/3 majority to increase taxes – the days of relying on the American people to pay for liberal economic theories are over. Instead, we must look at ways to reduce the tax burden on both businesses and individuals and put America back on the road to prosperity.”