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Speak Out: The Fiscal Cliff Deal
The agreement quells increased taxes for most Americans but doesn't address spending cuts and leaves another potential debt limit showdown on the table. Is this a deal that works for you?
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner
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After a marathon holiday negotiation session, after grumbling by liberal senators and after a near-revolt by conservative representatives, the fiscal cliff deal was approved by the House of Representatives late Tuesday night.
The bargain will increase taxes on income above $450,000 for families, increase capital gains taxes, permanently fix the alternative minimum tax, change the estate tax and provide some changes in deductions. It also will extend unemployment benefits, earned income tax credits and other tax breaks for the working class. The Washington Post has a cheat sheet with all of the details.
Reston's congressman, Gerry Connolly (D), voted for the deal, which passed by a margin of 257-157.
Middle class taxpayers will still see a smaller paycheck in 2013; The payroll tax cut was not preserved as part of the fiscal cliff deal. That tax specifically pays into social security. If you make $50,000 a year, the payroll tax increase will cost you about $1,000. That has some liberal economists upset with the deal.
What do you think? Is this a good plan? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.
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the-stix
5:13 am on Friday, January 4, 2013
Obama and the Congressional Democrats won. Campaign promise kept to stick it to the rich and $4 trillion more added to the national debt. Oh, and we should not forget the $100 billion special interest pork added at the 11th hour. That is what ‘we’ voted for is it not?