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Crenshaw Votes to Extend Tax Cuts to Florida Families

Congressman Worked to Protect Families from an Effective Tax Increase

October 3, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that extends current tax provisions that had been set to expire, including the sales tax deduction, the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) “patch,”, and several energy related tax incentives. Congressman Ander Crenshaw and his Republican colleagues fought to ensure that families, especially those in Florida, weren’t burdened with what would have effectively been a tax increase.  The provisions were included in the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.

Rep. Crenshaw said, “In these tough financial times, the American taxpayer deserves a break, and today they got one.”

The provisions included the sales tax exemption, which allows Floridians to deduct the sales tax they pay from their Federal income tax.  The exemption will be effective for the 2008 and 2009 tax years.

The issue is especially important to Florida residents who pay no state income tax, since the state generates revenue from sales tax received from individual purchases.  This measure ensures that Floridians will have the same tax benefits as other Americans who are able to deduct their state income tax from their Federal tax returns.  

Rep. Crenshaw said, “Florida families were the winners today.  The sales tax deduction will continue to provide much needed relief in the midst of high energy prices and difficult economic times.”

The measure also included a one year “patch” for the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT).  This measure adjusted the Federal tax code protecting 21 million Americans from an average tax increase of $2,000.

“American families deserve better than just a year-to-year fix, and I will continue to fight to make these tax cuts permanent,” added Crenshaw.

The legislation also incorporated renewable energy tax credits, encouraging the installation of wind, solar and biomass power, and helping reduce America’s dependence on foreign sources of energy.  

Rep. Crenshaw said, “As a government, we need to be rewarding activities – like energy conservation and efficiency.  These tax credits will help encourage Americans to invest in clean and renewal sources of energy.”

Other tax incentives that benefit families and small businesses are:

•    Research and Development Credit: Encourages cutting edge research that will create jobs here in America.
•    Clean Coal: Tax credits for the construction of clean coal facilities.
•    Education expenses: Deductions for higher education expenses and for unreimbursed classroom expenses for teachers.

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