| June 13, 2002 |
Representative Kay Granger (TX-12) voted today to make the elimination of the marriage tax permanent. The bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 271-142.
"Americans should not be penalized for possessing the desire to be joined in marriage," said Congresswoman Granger. "I am proud to support this measure which will permanently rid married couples of this unfair tax."
In 2001, Congress passed landmark tax relief that included a phase out of the Marriage Tax Penalty. However, that legislation is set to expire in 2010. Thus, the House has acted to permanently eliminate the Marriage Tax Penalty in order to avoid the inevitable massive tax increase that is set to occur on January 1, 2011.
Without this legislation, taxes will be raised for over 28 million married couples. Middle-income families are hit the hardest by this penalty. Most marriage penalties occur when the higher-earning spouse makes between $20,000 and $75,000 per year, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).
"Americans are taxed at their job, they are taxed when they buy their lunch, and when they fill up their gas tank for their commute home. The one thing that is not taxed is the love of a spouse at the end of a long day. Congress should protect and support the institution of marriage whenever possible," said Granger.