FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 2, 2010

House Votes to Raise Taxes on American Families and Small Businesses

Washington, D.C.– Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) released the following statement today after the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation by a vote of 234-188 that will raise taxes on American families and small businesses beginning January 1, 2011:

“Congressional Leadership has failed the American people,” said Rep. Paulsen. “It’s time to stop the gimmicks and political posturing and do what’s best for small businesses, families and the economy. Raising taxes during this difficult economic time only serves to punish hard-working Americans.

“We cannot tax and spend our way into economic recovery. Economists agree the fastest way to shrink our current budget deficit is through increased economic growth and productivity. Increased economic activity will not come unless employers—especially small businesses—start hiring and investing.

“Creating jobs and cutting spending remain my top legislative priorities. And as unemployment remains high, job creation is imperative to any economic recovery. We need to provide certainty to our nation’s job creators, not continue to add to their financial burden.”

Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, is a member of the House Financial Services Committee and co-chair of the House Med Tech Caucus.

For more information on Rep. Paulsen’s work in Congress, please visit www.paulsen.house.gov.

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