FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
Thursday, Dec 16th, 2010

CONTACT: Dan Farough
Office: (248) 273-4227

PETERS VOTES TO SUPPORT BIPARTISAN TAX CUT DEAL

Action puts middle class, economy ahead of partisan brinkmanship

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Gary Peters today voted in support of a major tax cut deal forged by the President and Congressional leaders that provides tax cuts for middle class families, extends the unemployment lifeline to displaced workers and gives a much needed boost to the economy.  Back in September, Peters was one of just a handful legislators calling for common ground on taxes, much like the plan passing today.

“The tax cut plan passing today, while not perfect, will help create jobs by focusing on middle class families and small businesses that are the backbone of our economy and have felt the brunt of the economic downturn,” said Congressman Gary Peters.  “This plan protects the lifeline to our unemployed workers who lost their jobs through no fault of their own and prevents a tax hike on those that are hurting in these tough times.” 

Parts of the plan of most benefit to Michigan families include:

• Creating a middle class tax cut by cutting payroll taxes.  The move will provide an additional $1,000 per year for a family earning $50,000.
• Preventing a major tax hike on middle class families at a time they can least afford it.
• Extending unemployment benefits to 181,000 Michigan families whose lifeline would begin to expire on Jan 1st.

In September, Peters called on Democrats and Republicans to find common ground by making middle class tax cuts permanent, extending tax breaks for upper-income earners for one year while extending unemployment to those in need.  Peters praised leaders for their work today.

“Finding common ground and solving the major problems facing this nation must come before business as usual and partisan brinkmanship.”  Peters said.  “We simply could not allow a massive tax hike on the middle class families or the severing of a lifeline to unemployed workers and their families at a time they could least afford it.  I give credit to leaders of both parties who put the needs of our families and our country ahead of short term political gain.”

###