Washington, D.C. — Reps. Keith Ellison (D-MN) and Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, released the following statement today after the Tax Policy Center released a report finding that the average family will see a $3,446 tax increase on January 1, 2013, if Congress does not prevent it:
“The last thing the American economy needs is for working families to lose an average of $3,446 on January 1st while the super-rich continue to enjoy record tax breaks. This report underscores the need for politicians in Washington to come together to prevent taxes from going up for millions of middle class families. The Senate has already voted to let current tax rates continue for everyone making less than $250,000 a year. If the House follows suit, this entire situation can be avoided.
“House Republican leaders like Paul Ryan say we can’t return to Clinton-era tax rates for the very richest two percent of Americans because then they wouldn’t create jobs for the rest of us. The American people and the Progressive Caucus know this failed trickle-down theory is a complete fantasy. Raising middle class taxes in order to cut rates for their wealthy corporate friends has led us where we are today: facing an unnecessary tax increase they’re doing nothing to prevent.
“We understand the gravity of this situation, which is why the Progressive Caucus introduced the Deal for All (H.Res.733) in July. If Congress adopted the Deal as the framework for a year-end fiscal agreement, Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security benefits would be protected, the wealthiest Americans would be asked to pay their fair share, we could have a leaner military that reflected 21st century threats, and millions of jobs would be created.
“Nurses, policemen, teachers, firefighters and the middle class have already faced deep federal cuts and have been told to sacrifice too much. It’s time for the very richest among us to pay their fair share. Our economic recovery would be stronger and more sustainable if Republicans were willing to support the middle class.”
