For Immediate Release: December 3, 2009
Contact:
Ryan Hobart
(573) 636-5241 Ext. 125
Jefferson City, MO – Roy Blunt, Todd Akin, Jo Ann Emerson, Sam Graves and Blaine Luetkemeyer voted to increase taxes on Missouri families, farmers and small businesses in tough economic times.
Instead of looking out for Missourians, Missouri Republicans once again sided with corporate special interests by voting against the Permanent Estate Tax Relief for Families, Farmers and Small Businesses Act, which would provide tax relief to 99.75 percent of estates. Without this legislation, the estate tax is scheduled to increase to 55 percent – raising taxes on Missouri families and farmers during an economic downturn [Congressional Quarterly, 12/3/09; HR 4154, Vote #929, 12/3/09].
In response to their votes Missouri Democratic Party Executive Director Brian Zuzenak released the following statement: “Actions speak louder than words. Congressman Blunt and his fellow Republicans love to talk about job killing tax increases, but when they had the opportunity to ensure tax cuts for over 99 percent of Missourians, they voted no.”