St. Mary's City

Bailey Would Demand Fiscal Responsibility

In two related stories March 14, the Associated Press reported the options House and Senate members are debating regarding the tax cuts set to expire at the end of 2010.

"House Democrats would allow all of the tax cuts to expire, effectively raising taxes by $683 billion from 2011 through 2013," the news service reported, adding, "The Democratic-written plan . . . passed the House on a 212-207 vote with Republicans unanimously opposing it." House and Senate Democrats are divided on the issue. However, under both Democratic plans, tax rates would increase by 3 percent for each of the 25 percent, 28 percent and 33 percent marginal income tax brackets. At present, the 25 percent bracket begins at $31,850 for individuals and $63,700 for married couples.

Here's an example of how this plan would affect U.S. taxpayers. For a family in the 25 percent bracket, a jump of 3 percent results in a $1,800 to $2,400 a year increase in taxes. I wonder how many people will have to take a part-time job or work overtime to pay this additional tax burden?

This plan comes after Marylanders recently suffered the biggest tax increase in Maryland history. It's time to bring the out-of-control government spending to a halt. The problem is not that Americans pay too little in taxes, it is that Congress spends too much. We need a fiscally responsible leader serving us in Congress. That leader is Collins Bailey, the Republican nominated to challenge Hoyer.

Cynthia L. Jones

Valley Lee