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Congresswoman Betty McCollum's eNewsletter

December 10, 2010
e-Newsletter

Congresswoman McCollum Rejects Billions in Tax Cuts for Wealthy
This week, President Obama and Congressional Republicans negotiated a deal on extending the expiring Bush-era tax cuts and unemployment benefits. Unfortunately this agreement means that America's wealthiest individuals not only get an additional tax cut, but they also get a break on the estate tax adding $125 billion to the deficit. The total cost of the Obama compromise plan will add $900 billion to the federal deficit over the next two years.

Congresswoman McCollum immediately voiced her opposition to the deal, emphasizing that middle class America and the unemployed continue to struggle under huge economic burdens while the rich become more and more wealthy.

"This is a deal that will continue to explode the deficit while the rich get richer and struggling middle class families get crumbs," said Congresswoman McCollum. "The Republicans successfully held unemployed Americans hostage to give even more tax cuts to millionaires and billionaires. This plan is irresponsible, and I will oppose it."

Social Security COLA Increase for Seniors Fails as 141 Republicans Vote "No"
House Republicans refused to join 228 Democrats in support of the Seniors Protection Act (H.R. 5987) -- legislation that provides 54 million seniors, veterans, railroad retirees, and the disabled a one-time $250 Social Security payment to offset the rising cost of living in 2011. Next year marks the second consecutive year that Social Security recipients will receive no automatic increase in their monthly benefits due to fiscal concerns.

Over 800,000 Minnesota seniors would have qualified for the additional payment to help cover basic necessities such as food and medical expenses. The legislation is necessary because Social Security recipients are not receiving an automatic Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) due to the low rate of inflation.

Congresswoman McCollum, a long-time defender of Social Security, voted in favor of this measure and is committed to ensuring retired Americans receive the support they earned.

Issues:Appropriations & Budget