Jim Ramstad: “I rise as a proud cosponsor and strong supporter of the measure before us to provide urgent relief to families suffering…”

“I rise as a proud cosponsor and strong supporter of the measure before us to provide urgent relief to families suffering from the unfair marriage tax penalty. About 25 million married couples currently pay an average of $1,400 more in taxes than they would as single taxpayers. In my own congressional district alone, almost 160,000 taxpayers pay higher taxes simply because they are married. That is simply wrong. Consider what $1,400 a year would mean to a family struggling to make car or mortgage payments, to buy groceries and clothes for their kids, or to save for their child's college education. If we don't believe marriage penalty tax relief will make a difference in the lives of real families, then we are severely out of a touch. And significantly, the bill will provide relief to both taxpayers who itemize deductions and those who fill out a simplified tax form. It helps two-earner couples and couples in which only one spouse earns an income. I am stunned by those who believe the families who make sacrifices so one parent can stay home with the children do not deserve relief. I had hoped when I heard the President's State of the Union Address that marriage penalty relief would be a bipartisan effort in this session. But as near as I can tell, some have decided it is 'too soon' to provide this fairness. When is it too soon to stop an injustice? Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support real relief for real families, right now.”