Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) opposes all tax increases as a matter of principle. We believe in a system in which taxes are simpler, flatter, more visible, and lower than they are today. The government's power to control one's life derives from its power to tax. We believe that power should be minimized. ATR was founded in 1985 by Grover Norquist at the request of President Reagan. The flagship project of Americans for Tax Reform is the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, a written promise by elected officials and candidates for office that commits them to oppose any effort to increase taxes on individuals and businesses. Nearly 1,400 elected officials, from state representative to governor to US Senator, have signed the Pledge. Americans for Tax Reform works with state-based center-right groups to help replicate ATR’s national Wednesday Meeting in the states. Currently, there are over 60 meetings in 48 states. These meetings bring together a broad cross-section of the center-right community: taxpayer groups, social conservative groups, business groups, legislators, etc., to promote limited government ideals.