Local Voters Frustrated By Payroll Tax Cut Stalemate

Marcy Tonkin, who lives in Indian Wells, is tired of hearing about the debate in Congress over the extension of the pay roll tax holiday.

“I wish they would get rid of all the political in fighting and get down to work. I don’t care if they have to stay through Christmas.”

With no deal, 160 million Americans could end up paying nearly a thousand dollars more in payroll taxes than what they’re paying now.

Americans who make $35,000 a year get an extra $700 from the tax cut. Those making $50,000 an extra grand.

But the 2 percent payroll tax cut extension remains in limbo with the Republican-controled House of Representatives rejecting a bi-partisan Senate bill to extend the tax cut for two months.

U.S. Rep. Mary Bono Mack, a Republican, released this statement following the House vote.

“Americans want and deserve the certainty of a year-long tax break – not the maybe you’ll get it, maybe you won’t approach taken by Senate Democrats. While I am still hopeful we will get this important issue resolved soon, it’s simply irresponsible to keep kicking the can down the road.”

Democrat Dr. Raul Ruiz, who is running against Bono Mack in next year’s November election, isn’t buying her reasoning. He believes a vote against the extension is ill advised with the tax cut set to expire on New Year’s Day.

“That essentially voting for a $1,000 tax increase for every middle class and working American, and that’s derelict to our district,” said Ruiz. Especially all of our residents who are barely making ends meat with the income they’re getting now.”

For voters like Tom Lynch of La Quinta, the debate on the tax cut extension has grown old.

“I think it’s disgusting. I think Congress should be recalled. We should vote ’em all out,” said Lynch. “They’re clearly more interested in politics than they are the nation.”

An extension of unemployment benefits for the long-term unemployed and a provision that would block a 27 percent cut in Medicare reimbursements to physicians is also part of the payroll tax cut legislation.