Pryce Votes to Protect Ohio
Families From Tax Hikes

Action Will Prevent Tax Increase on 30 Million Taxpayers

WASHINGTON – Today Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-OH-15) spoke in favor of and supported the Child Credit Preservation and Expansion Act of 2004, a plan to prevent a tax hike on millions of American parents, including nearly 2 million children in Ohio.  The legislation passed the House by a vote of 271 to 139.

“Children across the country are getting ready to enjoy their summer break.  But it’s unlikely that parents will enjoy having to spend an extra $300 for their taxes, rather than their family vacation,” said Rep. Pryce.   “The last thing American families need is a tax hike.

“The families of nearly 2 million children in Ohio, almost 100,000 in my district alone, currently receive tax relief through the child tax credit.  In passing this legislation today, we’re helping to strengthen Ohio’s families by allowing them to keep more of their own hard-earned money,” Pryce said.

In 2001, Congress passed legislation that expanded the child tax credit from $400 to $1,000 over ten years.  Two years later, Congress passed legislation to accelerate the credit to $1,000 in 2003 and 2004.  Without action by Congress, the child tax credit will drop from $1,000 to $700 next year.

Middle- and low-income families will be protected from tax hikes by the House plan, as it will increase the number of families eligible for the credit.  Military families will benefit from the bill, as they will now be allowed to include combat pay when calculating the refundable child credit.  The plan also makes the child tax credit permanent.

Congresswoman Pryce represents the Fifteenth District of Ohio, which includes Western Franklin County, Madison, and Union Counties.  She serves as Chairman of the House Republican Conference for the 108th Congress, making her the fourth ranking member of House leadership.  The Congresswoman also co-chairs the House Cancer Caucus.