Tax reform critical for economic growth and level playing field

Congress is in midst of moving a tax bill that is essential to the United States' economic future. Allow us an opportunity to introduce some facts on why it is so important to our company, our workers and our community.

P&G sells consumer products in more than 180 countries and territories. We have 25 manufacturing sites located in 19 U.S. states and territories, as well as nearly 90 manufacturing sites in foreign countries, where we manufacture products close to the consumers we serve worldwide. Here in Missouri, we are proud that we employ nearly 1,500 people between two manufacturing facilities. Within Missouri, P&G purchases about $430 million of products and services from more than 400 suppliers.

At P&G, we believe tax reform is crucial for both our company and our country. Why? The U.S. tax system puts American companies at a competitive disadvantage in the global marketplace. P&G has been a global company for more than 100 of our 180 years. In fact, one in five of P&G's U.S.-based jobs support our international business, in areas such as manufacturing, marketing, innovation and supply chain management. So when P&G succeeds in international markets, it means we succeed here at home, too.

However, the U.S. corporate tax rate is among the highest in the developed world at 35 percent. The current global average for developed countries is about 24 percent, and countries are lowering their rates further, creating a downward trend. This makes it harder for P&G and other U.S.-headquartered businesses -- small and large -- to compete with peer companies headquartered overseas. It also reduces the competitiveness of the U.S. economy as a place to do business and create jobs. The Congress is considering legislation that would lower the corporate tax rate to 20 percent.

Congress also is considering legislation that would move the U.S. tax code from a worldwide corporate income tax system to what is known as a territorial tax system. This would help American companies, including P&G, compete on a level playing field. Unlike P&G, our competitors headquartered outside the U.S. -- who already operate under a territorial system -- do not pay additional tax to their home countries when they sell products outside their home countries. Because 60 percent of P&G's sales are global, the current U.S. tax code puts us at a competitive disadvantage. Other American companies are in a similar position.

As Members of Congress debate whether to pass tax reform in the coming weeks, it is important to remember that economic growth and jobs in our community depend on having a competitive U.S. tax system. The details will matter, but a tax system with a 20 percent corporate tax rate and a modern territorial tax system will boost economic growth here at home and level the playing field for U.S. businesses and workers -- including P&G's U.S. employees here in Missouri.

Jack Geissinger and Tim Hayner are plant managers of P&G Manufacturing Facilities in Cape Girardeau, Missouri (Bounty, Charmin and Pampers).