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by J. Roger Mentz (Author)
. Politicians of all stripes are calling for tax reform. It sounds great: lower the tax rates, get rid of all of the "special interest" provisions, make our tax law simple, fair and an engine for economic growth. Some pundits even suggest that tax reform is "low-hanging fruit" that can easily be accomplished. But is this so? How would we know whether it will be that easy and straightforward? One way of learning about what a legislative tax reform process would entail is to explore what happened in 1986, when fundamental tax reform was enacted by Congress and signed into law by President Reagan. This book investigates how this legislative success was accomplished, and what lessons can be learned for those government officials who seek to enact tax reform today. This book is written by J. Roger Mentz, the Treasury Department Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy from December 1985 through July 1987. Mr. Mentz was the point person for the Reagan Administration on tax reform, which was the number one legislative priority for President Reagan in his second Administration. These "tales" or stories describe what really happened in the tax reform legislative process and what elements would need to come together for a successful reformation of the Internal Revenue Code today. This is not a technical book. Rather, it draws on experiences of 30 years ago to provide a blueprint for tax reform in the near future. This book is a "must read" for anyone who may be engaged in the legislative process of tax reform. It is a "should read" for any political candidate or staff if that candidate intends to take a position on tax reform. It is a "great read" for anyone who would enjoy the inside story, told from the perspective of the United States Treasury Department, on how the Tax Reform Act of 1986 became law after being pronounced dead numerous times.
Author Biography
J. Roger Mentz served as Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Tax Policy from December 1985 through July 1987. He was appointed by President Reagan, confirmed by the United States Senate, and served under Treasury Secretary James A. Baker III. In this position Mr. Mentz functioned as the principal spokesman for the second Reagan Administration on all tax policy matters and was the point person on tax reform. In 1987 Mr. Mentz was awarded the Treasury Department's highest honor, the Alexander Hamilton Award, for his "significant role in the development and passage of the Tax Reform Act of 1986. . . and his demonstrated commitment to sound and responsible tax policy." Following his Treasury service, Mr. Mentz engaged in the practice of law in Washington, D.C., finishing his career as the Executive Partner of the Washington, D.C. Office of White & Case LLP, an international law firm.
