NEW: Cicilline, Gemma Praise Obama’s Proposal to Extend Bush Tax Cuts
Monday, July 09, 2012
Congressman David Cicilline and Congressional candidate Anthony Gemma today emphasized their support for President Obama’s proposal to extend the Bush tax cuts for those making under $250,000.
“Middle class families in Rhode Island deserve the certainty of knowing that their taxes won’t go up at the end of this year,” said Cicilline, who represents Rhode Island’s First Congressional District. “The President is showing leadership on an issue that is critically important to millions of families, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join him in supporting a proposal that will provide relief for 98% of all Americans.”
In Congress, Cicilline has continually emphasized the importance of protecting middle class Rhode Islanders from a tax hike during these incredibly challenging economic times. During debate on federal budget proposals earlier this year, Cicilline supported a Democratic measure offered by Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) that would have extended the Bush tax cuts for families making less than $250,000.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“We all agree that Congress needs to do the hard work necessary to overhaul our tax code, paying particular attention to the impact expiring tax cuts will have on our small businesses,” added Cicilline. “While we engage in that work, it is imperative that Congress act on the President’s proposal and ensure middle class families in Rhode Island are protected from a tax increase.”
Obama announced his proposal at a White House press conference earlier today. House and Senate Republican leaders have already voiced opposition to the proposal.
Gemma, who has stated he supports sunsetting the majority of the Bush tax cuts, agreed with Cicilline.
"I applaud President Obama for fighting for tax relief for everyday Americans," Gemma said. "Yet while restoring the Clinton-era tax rates for those making 250,000 dollars per year is a good start, we must ask more of Congress."
Gemma continued: "An unfair burden remains for the middle and working classes. We must reduce the tax burden on individuals making less than 100,000 dollars per year, and we must restore Clinton-era rates for those making over 100,000 dollars per year. We must close loopholes for the wealthiest of individuals and simplify the tax code. In so doing, the American economy will become more competitive globally and more fair domestically."
