To the Editor:

I hope this note finds you well. I'd like to take a moment to share my thoughts on how Washington can follow Albany's recent positive example of bipartisanship.

Earlier this month, Albany reached a compromise to revamp the New York State tax code. The measure, which gained unanimous support from the North Country delegation, cut taxes for middle class New Yorkers while ensuring wealthy New Yorkers pay their fair share.

Governor Cuomo, the Republican-controlled Senate, and the Democratic-controlled Assembly came together to help repair the state budget through increased revenue on those

who can afford it while decreasing taxes for the middle class.

We face a similar crisis in Washington with the need to extend the payroll tax cut, unemployment benefits, and adequate reimbursement for physicians through the Medicare program, all of which threatens to expire on December 31 because Republicans and Democrats in Washington can't agree on how to offset the cost of the extension.

Late last week, the Senate passed a two-month extension of these critical programs with overwhelming bipartisan support, 89-10.

This compromise provides the House and Senate enough time to work on a year-long deal. Unfortunately, House Republican leadership chose to bend to the will of the Tea Party and refused to allow an up or down vote on this bill.

It is my hope that Washington will follow Albany's example and come together before the New Year to offset the cost of an extension of the payroll tax cut and extended unemployment benefits with a small surcharge on the wealthy.

Progress is achieved through civility and compromise. I will continue to urge my colleagues in Congress to work together, taking a pragmatic approach to solving our problems rather than hiding behind ideology.

Rep. Bill Owens

23rd District