Following is a statement from U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) on his vote supporting the Job Protection and Recession Prevention Act of 2012 (H.R. 8) that would extend current tax relief and his plan to vote tomorrow in favor of the Pathway to Job Creation through a Simpler, Fairer Tax Code Act of 2012 (H.R. 6169) that would set the stage for long-term tax reform:

“Missourians understand that the federal government cannot help job seekers by punishing job creators and that is why the best thing we can do as our economy continues to struggle is to stop the massive tax hike scheduled to take place at the end of the year.  Across Missouri, individuals, small businesses, families with children, married couples, and adoptive parents will all face higher taxes on January 1, 2013 if we fail to act.  By offering Americans relief and certainty, hard-working folks will have more money in their pockets to spend and invest, which in turn, will lead to critical economic growth. It is my sincerest hope that the Senate and the president will put partisan politics and class warfare aside and finally embrace tax relief for all Americans. The American people also have been demanding real tax reform and I will be supporting legislation that would begin debate on a simpler, fairer tax code.  By consolidating current individual income tax brackets, reducing the corporate tax rate and broadening the tax base we can provide the kind of confidence and stability in our tax system that will strengthen our economy and ultimately enhance the quality of life for all American families.”