"Telephones are a virtual necessity - not a luxury - and the revenues collected by this tax flow into the general fund. But this once temporary tax remains and costs American taxpayers, our small businesses and families almost $6 billion dollars a year"

This quote by Mike Fitzpatrick is referring to the federal excise tax on telephone services. This tax was initially meant to be short-term, but it has stayed in place and is costing American taxpayers, small businesses, and families practically $6 billion dollars a year. The quote is highlighting that telephones are a need, not a high-end, which the earnings gathered from this tax enters into the basic fund. This quote is highlighting the truth that this tax is an unneeded problem on taxpayers and services, which it must be gotten rid of. It is likewise a pointer that the government must be more mindful of the taxes it imposes on residents and companies, and that it needs to not be benefiting from them.