Murray Statement on Temporary Middle Class Tax Cut Extension

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement after she voted for a temporary extension of middle class tax cuts, unemployment benefits, payments to doctors that provide Medicare, and other programs critical to middle class families and seniors.

“This is welcome news for middle class families in Washington state. This extension will help provide peace of mind and much needed relief for families at a time of great anxiety over making ends meet. It also comes without a moment to spare for thousands of unemployed Washington workers with nowhere to turn for help during the holiday season.

“I am, however, very disappointed that Republicans would only agree to a temporary extension of these middle class protections. Coming to the aid of struggling middle class families shouldn’t be an uphill struggle. Yet time and again Republicans have blocked efforts to create jobs, reduce our deficit, and provide economic security for average Americans, all in the name of protecting millionaires and billionaires from paying a penny more to help in our recovery.

“The provisions in this bill – a middle class tax cut, the protection of unemployment benefits, and support for doctors that accept Medicare – are at the heart of efforts to provide security to the overwhelming majority of Washington residents. That’s why I’m committed to seeing that they’re extended beyond the scope of this agreement.  

“I am also disappointed that we were unable to include an extension of the sales tax deduction that many taxpayers in Washington state depend on in this deal. This is another middle-class provision that I will be working to extend so that Washington state taxpayers get the fairness they deserve.”