Tax day will be a little easier this year, thanks to the tax relief signed into law by President Bush. This relief, supported by me and other members of Congress, will save 91 million Americans an average of $1,126. This much-needed tax relief has helped families and helped turn our economy around. The economy grew faster at the end of last year than it had in nearly 25 years, with a total of 759,000 news jobs since September. Congress has more to do to promote efficient growth in our economy. We need to cut government spending and eliminate frivolous lawsuits. We need to examine and eliminate waste, fraud and abuse of government resources. We need to open new markets for American products, and we should focus on streamlining and modernizing our economic rules and regulations. We need to continue to work to bring health care costs under control and get the newly-passed transportation bill to the President’s desk. Perhaps the most important step we can take to keep our economy on the right track is to make sure that these taxes don’t increase. Last summer, eligible families received child tax rebate checks of up to an additional $400 per child. Twenty-four million families received tax relief totaling $14 billion. The next big battle in Wash-ington will be between those who want to take away the tax relief and those of us who want it to continue. Some members of Congress want to bring back the marriage and death tax penalties. Bringing these taxes back could cost thousands of dollars for Minnesota families. In the last 10 years, spending in Washington has gone up $750 billion. Congress has taken the first step in passing a fiscally responsible budget as a blueprint for this year’s spending. We need to do in Washington what Minnesota proved possible – balance the budget by controlling government spending. I am pleased to support legislation that will leave more money in your hands. The expanded per-child tax credit and 10 percent tax bracket help a majority of taxpayers – those in the middle class. It’s good for our families and it’s good for the economy and jobs.
