Murphy to Obama: I’m in

by Brian Mann on December 9th, 2010

This from Rep. Scott Murphy, the centrist Democrat from Glens Falls, who is spending his final weeks in Washington before handing the reins to Republican Rep.-elect Chris Gibson:

“We currently face two major problems; in the short term, too many Americans are out of work, and in the long term, we are saddled with a deficit that we can’t afford to ignore.

“If the tax cut compromise outlined by President Obama comes to the floor as currently proposed, I will support it. As with any compromise, there are provisions that I do not agree with, but I firmly believe that in this package the good outweighs the bad.

“This plan would help businesses create jobs and help middle class families by easing their tax burden. It also keeps in mind the massive deficit and debt that have been built up by the poor decisions of the last ten years. It is important that it is not a permanent extension that we can’t afford but rather a targeted deal that will help get the economy moving and keep our long term fiscal crisis in mind.

“We must balance the task of getting the economy going again immediately with our medium and longer term fiscal issues. This is a way forward. It’s not one that many people will love, but it’s a bipartisan compromise that many can accept. Congress must act now, and not wait until next year to protect middle class families from a painful tax hike that will hurt our already fragile economy.”