"No

American," Collins said, "should be

forced to give 55 percent of their savings, their

business, or their farm in taxes when they die.

The death tax has outlived any worthwhile

purpose, and the time has come for us to bury it

once and for all."

Today,

one-third of small-business owners will have to

sell outright or liquidate a part of their firms

to pay estate taxes. Half of those who must

liquidate to pay the IRS will each have to

eliminate 30 or more jobs.

Additionally,

more than 70 percent of family businesses do not

survive the second generation and 87 percent do

not make it to the third generation. "The

death tax destroys family businesses and stifles

investment that would lead to increases in jobs

and personal income," Collins said.

<!--

-----------