One can never expect too much from a government “reform commission,”
particularly a bipartisan commission. But the tax reform panel headed
by John Breaux and Connie Mack, might still have some good
recommendations in its final report on Nov 1. They still have a flat
tax proposal on the table, and are looking at ways to limit mortgage
interest deductibility while making charitable deductions available to
non-itemizers. Also, they’re considering limiting deductibility for
employer contributions to health insurance and making payments by
individuals deductible. Nothing bold, but definitely moving in the
right direction. More here, here, and here.