Ruppersberger Supports Middle Class Tax Relief

Press Release

Today, Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) voted for the Middle Class Tax Relief Act of 2010. The measure makes the tax cuts permanent for families making less than $250,000 a year and singles making less than $200,000 a year. This measure will extend this tax cut for 98% of Americans. It passed the United States House of Representatives by 234 to 188.

"This is not the time to be raising taxes on hard-working Americans. I believe extending this tax cut to thousands of Maryland families is the right thing to do. Economists agree putting money back in the hands of people who will spend it is a great way to give our economy a boost and create jobs," said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD).

Congressman Ruppersberger also supports three other important tax cuts to help our struggling economy. The Congressman supports abolishing the estate tax. He believes this tax forces families to sell or break up job-creating assets like farms and other small businesses because families can't afford to pay the taxes.

Congressman Ruppersberger believes we need to permanently fix the alternative minimum tax. The AMT, as it is known, was established to make sure everyone pays taxes. Originally called the "millionaire's tax," it targeted only the wealthiest households, but it was not indexed for inflation. Without Congressional intervention, this year nearly a quarter of U.S. taxpayers, especially middle-class Americans, will be required to pay this tax that was never meant for them.

The Congressman believes we should make the research and development tax credit permanent. This tax credit shows great promise in encouraging the growth of new and existing companies, big and small. With Fort Meade, Aberdeen Proving Ground, BWI Airport, the Port of Baltimore and tens of thousands of new jobs heading to the region through the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) decision, this tax credit could help make the I-95 corridor an even stronger high-tech powerhouse.

"I believe we need to expand tax credits and reduce tax burdens to help businesses grow. The more money we keep in private hands, the faster our economy will recover," said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger.

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