As you may know, the 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts are scheduled to expire at the end of this year. I'm interested in knowing what you think on this issue, but first I'd like to explain my stance on the tax cuts. I strongly support making the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts permanent, because if this tax increase is allowed to take effect, it will be the largest tax hike in American history. In this time of financial strain, I believe that reducing taxes for Americans can help our country get back on its feet. I don’t believe there is ever a good time to raise taxes, and any tax cuts should be offset by spending cuts. According to the Tax Foundation, a failure to act will result in an increase of $4,301 in federal income taxes per year for the average middle-class Texas family. According to the Heritage Foundation, the average household disposable income in Texas' 26th Congressional District will decrease by $755 in 2011, $886 in 2012, and $923 by 2013. In 2011 alone, the district will lose 700 jobs, and that will rise to 1675 in 2012 and 2,087 in 2013. According to the National Federation of Independent Business, 75 percent of small businesses will experience a tax increase if the tax cuts are allowed to expire. On the other hand, extending the current policy will save each family in the district $1,593 per year. At unemployment nearing 10%, Congress should not raise taxes on the working class. Allowing Texas families to keep more of their hard-earned income will encourage investment and the entrepreneurial spirit that is the driving force behind our economy. After all, it is your money. Now I'd like to hear from you - Do you favor allowing the 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts to expire, or do you support an extension of the current tax rates? Click here to take my survey. For more information on this and other topics, go directly to my web site - http://burgess.house.gov. To view floor speeches, interviews and other video messages from me, please visit my YouTube Channel - www.youtube.com/MichaelCBurgessMD. You can also follow me on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/MichaelCBurgess - and Twitter - http://twitter.com/MichaelCBurgess. It is an honor to serve you in the United States House of Representatives. Sincerely,   Rep. Michael C. Burgess, M.D.