Governor Tomblin Sends Letter to President and Congressional Leadership

Press Release

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin joined ten other governors urging our federal leaders to work together to find a balanced approach to avoid the "fiscal cliff." The letter warns, without a balanced approach, the U. S. could face a second recession and possible severe cuts to vital programs such as education and national security. It also emphasized the importance of tax cuts for middle-class families and cited evidence showing consumer spending, a driving force of the economy, would be greatly reduced if Congress allows those tax cuts to expire. The governors are confident a balanced plan can be reached and financial stability for our nation and our families can be achieved.

"The outcome of Congress' decision will affect all of us. If they are unable to reach an agreement, our hard-working middle-class families may be forced to pay more taxes, and vital services such as education could be cut," said Gov. Tomblin. "I joined the other governors in sending this letter because I believe a balanced solution can be reached. I'm very hopeful our leaders will reach across the aisle and work together for our families and for our future."

The letter was sent to President Barack Obama, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, U.S. Speaker of the House John Boehner, and U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. Governors from Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, North Carolina, Vermont, Washington and the U.S. Virginia Islands also signed the letter.

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