Idea of the Day: Extension Passed in Congress Helps the Middle Class

[ProSense]

Idea of the Day: Extension Passed in Congress Helps the Middle Class

Congress passed an extension Friday to the payroll tax cut, unemployment benefits, and the “doc fix” for the rest of 2012, avoiding the March 1 expiration and a potential hit to middle-class families across the country. The final vote ensures hard-working Americans and those unemployed through no fault of their own will be able to help contribute to our economic growth as the economy picks up steam.

Payroll tax cuts allow American workers to take home more money in their paychecks: $120 billion more in 2011 alone. Unemployment benefits, through which the government assists people who lost their job through no fault of their own, kept 3.2 million Americans out of poverty in 2010. And without the doc fix, doctors would earn 27 percent less in Medicare reimbursements.

By avoiding the drama that has plagued previous congressional negotiations and quickly passing the much-needed legislation, Congress will help millions of Americans save money, stay out poverty, and stay healthy. Meghan Miller offers a by-the-numbers look at how the payroll tax cut, unemployment benefits, and the doc fix have helped—and will continue to help—Americans.

http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/ideas/2012/02/022112.html

The Middle Class Wins in Congress
http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2012/02/taxcut_bythenumbers.html

[zipplewrath]

1. Unless you're the unemployed middle class

Of course if you are one of the 99'ers, you probably aren't middle class anymore.

[ProSense]

2. Just

"Unless you're the unemployed middle class

Of course if you are one of the 99'ers, you probably aren't middle class anymore."

...ignore the OP and make up stuff. Thanks for your comment.

FYI: There's some good information at the link in the OP, and this might interest you: http://sync.democraticunderground.com/1002322678

[zipplewrath]

4. I guess I missed the part

The part where we have done anything for the 99'ers. They've been out in the cold, and they are still out in the cold.

"It's a win as long as it maintains the status quo".

[ProSense]

5. No

"I guess I missed the part...The part where we have done anything for the 99'ers. "

...you didn't miss it because it's a separate issue from the legislation discussed in the OP, which does pertain to "the unemployed middle class" who are eligible for benefits up to 99 weeks.

[zipplewrath]

7. The Original Subject

Idea of the Day: Extension Passed in Congress Helps the Middle Class

I guess my point was that this subject was missing the word "part", as in "part of the middle class". There is the portion that has long been abandoned, the 99'ers, who are still abandoned.

[FSogol]

3. K & R. n/t

[Mojorabbit]

6. Is this the legislation

where people getting unemployment will have to undergo drug testing?

[TBF]

8. K&R on this -

I'd rather see comprehensive tax reform (with a return to the pre-Reagan capital gains tax rates), but I'll take what I can get this morning. This will help many people make it through this year.