Appeared in the Asbury Park Press

Sunday, June 16, 2002

Don't Penalize Married Couples

Many married couples currently filing their taxes jointly pay more tax than if they had filed separately as single individuals. My constituents here in central New Jersey certainly do not believe that the government should financially penalize Americans because they choose to get married. And neither do I. That is why I recently voted for the Encouraging Work and Supporting Marriage Act to help ease the tax burden on married couples.

The basic standard deduction for married couples is 167 percent of that for single individuals. This law would increase the standard tax deduction for a married couple to twice that of an individual. The relief will begin reducing the marriage penalty in 2003 and will eliminate it completely by 2009.

When Americans get married there should not be a tax collector waiting at the altar. Without the marriage penalty putting a pinch on their wallets, central New Jersey’s families will be better able to save money to buy homes or to pay for their children’s college tuition. I cannot think of a better tax cut than one that gives families more opportunities to become homeowners and to educate their children.

Sincerely,

Rush Holt (NJ-12)