U.S. PIRG Staff

As federal Tax and Budget Advocate for U.S. PIRG, Dan Smith organizes support both inside and outside of Congress to end special-interest giveaways, increase budget transparency and accountability, eliminate waste, ensure that subsidies and tax breaks serve the public, and close corporate tax loopholes. Based in Washington, D.C., he lobbies elected officials, analyzes policy, and works with the media to promote fiscal policies that serve the public interest.

Mr. Smith's research has led to influential reports on the current budget crisis. Toward Common Ground, a report co-authored with the National Taxpayers Union, put forth 56 specific deficit reduction recommendations that garner support from across the political spectrum, adding up to over $1 trillion in taxpayer savings. He also co-authored a report, Representation Without Taxation, which revealed thirty companies that paid more to lobby Congress than they did in federal income taxes. His expertise ranges from the corporate abuse of tax havens to wasteful subsidies for large agribusinesses and other profitable industries. He has been quoted by the New York Times, USA Today, Bloomberg, CBS News, and other publications.

Mr. Smith received a BA in Government with honors from Cornell University.