Bill name-checks Treasury secretary

ryanteaguebeckwith — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:29:55 -0400

A state legislator thinks everyone should get Timothy Geithner's deal.

Rep. Jerry Dockham, a Davidson County Republican, has filed the Geithner Tax Fairness for N.C. Citizens Act, named for the current Treasury secretary.

During his confirmation hearings, Geithner revealed that he had failed to pay $34,000 in back taxes. He paid the Internal Revenue Service the taxes plus interest, but was not fined.

Dockham's bill would allow North Carolinians who owe $50,000 or less in back taxes on their state income tax to also avoid a penalty fine.

"If he got that benefit, I think the average citizen should get the same courtesy," Dockham said.

Ultimately, Dockham argued that Congress should enact a similar bill, but he said he's just a state legislator so he'll stick with North Carolina for now.

HB941-09

Bill name-checks Treasury secretary