Colorado incumbent Congressman Mike Coffman today voted to block a payroll tax cut extension compromise that overwhelmingly passed the Senate with near unanimous support from Republican and Democrats.
"Congress can’t even agree on a tax cut they all agree with,” said Joe Miklosi, candidate for Colorado's 6th Congressional District. “Senate Republicans and Democrats managed to negotiate a reasonable compromise and it’s unacceptable that House Republicans continue the relentless partisan bickering. The consequences of a failure to act will have major economic repercussions.”
The bipartisan payroll tax break extension was negotiated by Republican leaders and passed the Senate on Saturday by a overwhelming 89-10 vote. The Senate's version would renew a 2 percentage point cut in the Social Security payroll tax, provide jobless benefits averaging about $300 a week for the long-term unemployed, and stop a 27 percent cut in Medicare payments to doctors.
Without a bill to extend the cuts, payroll taxes will go up for 160 million workers on January 1st. Nearly 2 million people could lose unemployment benefits as well.
Incumbent Congressman Mike Coffman has voted along party lines over 95% of the time and is a founding member of the Tea Party Caucus. Many attribute the group to be the leading driver of the partisan bickering in Congress today.
"This is just another example of why we need real leadership in Washington, leadership that’s focused on delivering practical outcomes for families in Colorado,” continued Miklosi. “It’s time to stop waiting to the last minute. It’s time to get the job done once and for all.”
State Representative Miklosi is a proven leader who has worked across the political aisle to pass legislation designed to promote job growth and getting our economy back on track. He worked to balance the Colorado budget every year he has been in office. He worked on the bipartisan Audit Committee, which conducted 52 audits in 2010 and saved Colorado taxpayers 47 million dollars. He sponsored legislation that passed the General Assembly unanimously to eliminate conflicting government regulations and help local businesses. As a member of the state legislature, Representative Miklosi has cut his own salary. Last year, Mr. Miklosi sponsored two job fairs to help people find a job.
"Our campaign is focused like a laser on getting our economy on the fast-track to recovery," says Miklosi. "We believe mainstream voters will reject my opponent’s 'do-nothing' approach and will join us in working to get this county back on its economic feet."
About Joe Miklosi:
Joe Miklosi brings a well-rounded business and civic background to the race. In addition to three years of legislative experience working across party lines to get things done in the Colorado House of Representatives, his career includes six years of business development experience, where he helped start an Internet software company, nearly four years working at Project C.U.R.E. in Centennial, Colorado, which provides life-saving medical supplies to hospitals in 120 developing nations, and 12 years of public policy experience.
