WASHINGTON -- Congressman Tom Petri received a Taxpayer Friend Award for 2006 Wednesday from the National Taxpayers Union. After reviewing every vote during the year affecting the federal budget and revenues, the NTU presents the award to those members of Congress that the non-profit organization believes have the most responsible tax and spending records.

"We are very selective," said NTU President John Berthoud. "Only about 10 percent of the Members get our Taxpayer Friend Award. So, we are very pleased to be here today with Congressman Petri, who has won this many times in the past."

"One of the jobs of a representative is to recognize that when people pay their taxes, they have generally worked pretty hard to earn the money that supports their family and supports our government as well," Petri responded. "We should be voting to defend the wallet of the hardworking taxpayer by keeping taxes as low as possible and keeping a beady eye on government spending as well."

Rep. Tom Petri is presented with the 2007 Taxpayer Friend Award by John Berthoud (left), President of the National Taxpayers Union.