(Washington, DC) — As millions of Americans file their taxes today, U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-04) reaffirmed his commitment to extending tax cuts for Pennsylvania’s middle class families.

In the budget resolutions from 2007 and 2008, the House made middle-class tax relief a priority by extending the child tax credit, marriage penalty relief, and the 10 percent tax bracket in a fiscally responsible, budget neutral manner.

“Pennsylvanians are concerned about gas prices approaching $4.00 a gallon, escalating health insurance premiums, and an overall weak economy. I strongly support efforts to turn this economy around and provide relief to the thousands of working families in my district,” Altmire said. “In the short-term, we are putting together a second economic stimulus package, legislation to address the housing crisis, and additional tax relief for families in danger of being hit by the AMT.”

“Long-term, we need to enact fiscally responsible policies that strengthen our economy and create high-paying jobs for Pennsylvanians,” Altmire added. “Ensuring our tax code is fair and supports the middle class are critical components of this, and I will continue to fight to lower taxes for middle class families and small businesses.”

Since coming to Congress, Congressman Altmire has worked to cut taxes for middle class families, small businesses, and active duty military. Last year, Congressman Altmire voted to cut $50 billion in taxes for millions of households – including 60,000 families in Pennsylvania’s 4th Congressional District – with incomes between $50,000 and $200,000 by ensuring that these taxpayers were not caught by the alternative minimum tax (AMT). In addition, Congressman Altmire helped enact $4.8 billion in tax cuts for small businesses and introduced the Active Duty Military Tax Relief Act of 2007 (H.R. 3827) to provide tax relief to active duty military service members and to help small businesses address the transitional issues imposed when these valued employees are called up to service.

This year, Congressman Altmire supported the $150 billion economic stimulus package that will deliver tax rebates to more than 5 million Pennsylvanian households and approximately $44 billion in tax cuts for small businesses to encourage them to make investments that spur job growth.