Today's proceedings were dominated by discussions over the incredibly thorny leather tax. Speaker Stanisław Małachowski opened the session by informing the esteemed Members of Congress about the ongoing matters. He emphasized that the defining moment has arrived for policy reforms, particularly concerning the future governance structure of the Union. This week, the Houses of Congress are poised to tackle the economic needs of the Union, with a focus on making life less costly for the citizens by potentially discontinuing or modifying the burdensome leather tax.

Secretary Jan Łuszczewski then read the opinion of the Treasury Commission on the leather tax, proposing a replacement with a monetary compensation system, which could reduce the burden on the citizens. The Commission's two projects suggested abolishing the physical handover of hides and replacing it with a fixed monetary fee. The discussions today were extensive on this subject, with Representatives from various States—West Poland, East Poland-Ukraine, and Lithuania-Belarus—expressing a mix of critiques and suggestions on how to amend this tax.

Representative Ksawery Stoiński highlighted the tax's burden, noting that it made goods unnecessarily expensive—profits going mainly to traders and officials—and thus needed reform or elimination. He proposed a new tax system whereby each citizen, nobility, townspeople, peasants, and Jews would add three copper groats to every gold coin of tax incurred.

Other highlights included Stanisław Sołtyk from Krakow suggesting a simpler system that adds three copper groats for every tax paid, a suggestion also put forward by Antoni Dziekoński, the Under Secretary of Treasury for Lithuania-Belarus, and Senator Piotr Sumiński, highlighting the need for a comprehensive review and better management of this onerous tax.

Representative Zenon Wysłouch contributed to the debate with a proposal aiming to keep the tax but ensure its collection is fair and equitable, which after being read by Secretary Łuszczewski, was taken under advisement.

Senator Jacek Jezierski pointed out the dire confusion and mismanagement of the leather tax and presented a clarion call for immediate decision-making on the proposed reforms and the establishment of a Union Bank.

In conclusion, today was marked by impassioned debates and multiple proposals aimed at reforming the controversial tax. However, the day ended without clear direction, with session adjourned until the next day at 10 a.m. The general sentiment indicated a pressing need for data-driven decisions and judicious tax reform that ensures equity across all classes of citizens without becoming oppressive.

Stay tuned for more updates from the Congressional front as the Houses continue to wrangle with critical economic policies that will shape the future of our Union.

Topics: Sejm session and governance reform; Treasury Commission and leather tax; Abolition of stamp duties; Tax change proposals; Deputies' proposals and projects; Debate on effective taxation; Development and deliberation of projects; Issues of leather trade; Deputation reports and their decisions; Sejm work organization and legislative power; Financial matters of Lithuania and the Crown; Legislative change proposals;