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Rep. Owens urging payroll tax cut compromise

Posted 2/11/12

WASHINGTON – Rep. Bill Owens says he is concerned that if his colleagues don’t act soon, payroll taxes will be going up. An extension of the payroll tax cut was approved by legislators in …

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Rep. Owens urging payroll tax cut compromise

Posted

WASHINGTON – Rep. Bill Owens says he is concerned that if his colleagues don’t act soon, payroll taxes will be going up.

An extension of the payroll tax cut was approved by legislators in December, but that is about to expire.

“Failure to reach a compromise by February 17th will raise taxes on middle-class Americans to the tune of about $40 per week,” said Owens. “That’s no small sum – especially in a tough economy. Reaching an agreement on this legislation is also critical to ensuring doctors who care for seniors on Medicare are fairly reimbursed for their services and millions of unemployed Americans continue to receive their benefits.

To move colleagues along, Owens voted in favor of a measure urging those working on a compromise to report back by Feb. 17.

“In December, partisan bickering pushed an agreement on the current extension to the last minute. New Yorkers are tired of this kind of brinksmanship, and so am I. Democrats and Republicans need to come together to do what’s right for the American people,” said the 23rd District congressman.