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PRESS RELEASE FROM AMERICANS FOR TAX REFORM
Contact: John Kartch ( jkartch@atr.org or 202-785-0266)

[View Printable Adobe Acrobat File]

Rep. Spratt’s Budget to Taxpayers: Take a Hike
S.C. Congressman’s Budget Will Raise Taxes $2,483 On Every State Resident

Washington, DC – Rep. John Spratt (D-S.C.), Chairman of the House Budget Committee, forced
through a budget this week which will impose the largest tax increase in American history, raising taxes $2.3 trillion over the next ten years. The average South Carolina resident will be forced to pay an average of $2,483 in higher taxes every year if the Spratt budget is enacted.

“This budget clearly reflects the priorities of San Francisco liberal Pelosi and not the priorities of Palmetto State residents,” said Grover Norquist, President of Americans for Tax Reform. “Raising taxes for more government spending and growing the size of government is irresponsible. Rep. Spratt has a history of voting against lower taxes, so nobody should be surprised. But this budget demonstrates he is taking orders from the liberal wing of his party and for that he is clearly out step with the taxpayers in his home district.”

A number of amendments were offered to preserve vital tax relief and Spratt voted against each and every one including: the extension lower income tax rates, the extension of the $1,000 per child tax credit, extension of marriage penalty relief, against the extension of the state and local tax deduction, and against the extension of the current 15 percent rate on capital gains and dividends.

In summary, Rep. Spratt voted NO on the following taxpayer-friendly provisions:
--NO on committing to pass a budget without a tax increase
--NO on extending the $1,000 per child tax credit
--NO on extending marriage penalty relief
--NO on extension of existing marginal income tax cuts
--NO on extension of the 15 percent rate on capital gains and dividend earnings
--NO on elimination of the death tax
--NO on extension of the state and local tax deduction

“At a time when taxpayers are facing a mid-April deadline, Rep. Spratt is showing us his true
colors,” said Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform. “His commitment to higher
taxes and rampant government spending might make San Francisco liberals like Nancy Pelosi
happy, but it comes at our expense.”

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Americans for Tax Reform is a non-partisan coalition of taxpayers and taxpayer groups who oppose any and all federal and state tax increases.  For more information, or to arrange an interview with Mr. Norquist please contact John Kartch at (202)785-0266 or by email at jkartch@atr.org.