SHAHEEN STATEMENT ON PAYROLL TAX CUT

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) released the following statement after voting in support of the payroll tax cut extension in the Senate today. The tax cut passed 60-36 with bipartisan support and heads to the President for his signature.

"Getting our economy moving again is my top priority, and a full-year extension of these provisions is a crucial part of getting that done. It will put more than $1,000 back into the pockets of the average New Hampshire middle class family. That will inject an extra $600 million into our state’s economy, which will help small businesses gain new customers and hire more employees.

"This extension is not perfect. Like many, I am concerned about the growth in our long-term deficits.  I would have preferred if this temporary tax relief could have been achieved as part of comprehensive tax reform and a balanced deficit reduction plan that puts everything on the table. But our first priority must be the economy. The middle class tax cut, unemployment benefits and Medicare payments contained in this bill move our economy in the right direction while ensuring those still struggling are not left behind."