Middle class activists push for Congressman Hensarling to extend tax cuts

DALLAS – The Middle Class Tax Cuts First campaign is a coalition of business and community organizations. This week they held a gathering at Congressman Jeb Hensarling office, demonstrating wide public support for their campaign to extend tax cuts for the middle class and 97 percent small businesses. The coalition, led by Texas Fair Share, gathered with signs to encourage cars driving by them to honk and wave in support of the middle class, making for a loud couple of hours in Dallas.
“Hundreds of citizens and dozens of local leaders have come together in the past few weeks to make one thing clear: this holiday season, the gift no one needs is a tax hike on the middle class,” said Donnie Walters, an organizer with Texas Fair Share. “With just a few days until the New Year and with the House reconvening on Sunday, Representative Hensarling needs to vote for a simple extension of the tax cuts for the middle class, now.”

The middle class tax cuts are part of the debate about the “fiscal cliff” — a reference to the looming Dec. 31st deadline for Congress to act on a set of issues that could devastate the economy.

According to the National Economic Council, a typical family of four will see their taxes increase by $2,200 if the tax cuts expire. A Congressional Budget Office report has detailed further the serious impacts on the American economy if these cuts are not extended. This includes 1.6 million jobs that could be lost and a $200 billion cut to consumer spending.

In addition, extending tax cuts for only the first $250,000 or $400,000 of income will save our country billions of dollars – money that Texas Fair Share says could be spent creating jobs or reducing the deficit.

“Congressman Hensarling’s pledge of office is to his constituents. Do the right thing, end the Bush tax cuts for the richest 2 percent and extend the tax cuts for the 98 percent of America. Support the middle class and those trying to get to the middle class,” said Texas Fair Share volunteer George Nolan.