Specter talks at Schlow Library

By JAMES KWASNIK
Collegian Staff Writer

Thick fog in Philadelphia delayed U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter's flight to State College yesterday, but it didn't prevent him from speaking at Schlow Memorial Library on topics ranging from his new bill, the "Flat Tax Act of 1995," to welfare reform.

Specter, R-Phila., who is campaigning for the Republican presidential nomination, said he wanted to stop at State College to recruit volunteers from the University for his campaign and to congratulate the Nittany Lion football team on an undefeated season.

Specter first focused his speech on his proposal to make the income tax filing system more equitable and effective.

The proposal, which was modeled after a proposal by Stanford University Professors Robert Hall and Alvin Rabushka, would raise Hall and Rabushka's previous tax rate of 19 percent to a flat rate of 20 percent, Specter said.

Lower and middle income taxpayers would pay lower taxes, while the poorer families would not have to pay any taxes, Specter said.

Several benefits could arise from the flat tax.

According to a news release, tax on interest, dividends and capital gains would be eliminated and business revenues would be taxed directly from the source, causing stronger incentives for savings and investment.

The savings would add about $2 trillion to the gross national product in about seven years, Specter said.

Filing an income tax report could also be easier.

A report could easily be filled out on a

10-line postcard with spaces for other general information, Specter said.

The flat tax would reduce the scope of the Internal Revenue Service as well as reduce the IRS' budget, Specter said.

Two University students, one from the Penn State College Democrats and one from the College Republicans have different opinions about the Flat Tax Act.

Stephen Brame, former chairman of the College Republicans, said he thinks the Flat Tax Act is an interesting idea and people should certainly look at it.

"I think the tax system definitely has to be addressed," former College Democrats President Andrew Kreider said.

But Kreider said he is not saying Specter's plan is necessarily the way to go.

Another topic Specter spoke about was funding for higher education.

"I believe that aid for higher education is an indispensable item," Specter said.

Specter said he would like to increase the number of Pell Grants given to students every year and to make sure guaranteed student loans are maintained.

But the most important question Specter addressed was whether or not he has received enough national exposure for a presidential run.

Specter said he is doing a lot of traveling with an emphasis on the early primary states: Iowa and New Hampshire.

In addition, Specter said he thinks people can also recognize him from one of the many Senate committees he chairs, such as the Senate Intelligence Committee, where he worked on important foreign policies and national security issues.

Specter also chaired the Appropriations Committee of Health and Human Services and the Judiciary Sub-committee on Terrorism.

Kreider said he thinks Specter represents one of the better Republican candidates.

Specter might have a rough start but if he keeps working, everything will fill in for him in the end, Kreider said.

"He's definitely got a shot at it," Kreider said.

But Brame, who has talked with people outside of Pennsylvania, said he thinks Specter's national recognition is weak.

People who live outside of Pennsylvania are skeptical and many do not think Specter has the right kind of personality needed to hold the nation's highest office, Brame said.

But Brame said he gives Specter credit for trying and is a little bit surprised at his success.

"He is certainly tring to make a name for himself," Brame said.

Another question arose over Specter's ability to raise the money needed to fund a presidential candidacy.

Specter reminded the audience that he raised over $11 million for his Senate race and that ideas, determination and perseverance are more important than fund raising.

"I think we'll be competitive," Specter said.

Also, Specter said that America needs health care reform. He also accented the necessity to have a balanced budget by the year 2002 for welfare reform and that it needs to be carefully examined.

"I propose to look at all of those items with a scalpel instead of a meat axe," Specter said.

Specter said for the past 14 years he has been saying that Americans have wanted smaller government involvement, reduced taxes and less expenses.

When it comes to his political views, Specter said, "I'm not changing my position with the political wind."

Collegian Staff Writer Jonathan Bomboulie contributed to this report.