February 4, 2003

Smith to Introduce Repeal of Double Taxation of Social Security Benefits

WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) today announced that he will introduce the Senior Citizens Relief Act of 2003 to repeal the 1993 tax increase on Social Security benefits. Smith, who has cosponsored similar legislation in the past, made the announcement at today's hearing of the Senate Aging Committee.

"This tax increase should not have been passed in 1993, it was patently unfair and provided a disincentive to our seniors who chose to save or chose to work," said Smith.

The Senior Citizens Relief Act gradually phases out the decade old tax increase on seniors' Social Security benefits. The increase taxes up to 85 percent of the Social Security received by seniors with annual incomes over $34,000 for individuals and over $44,000 for couples.

"This is not just an inequity or injustice, it is an oppressive economic burden," said Smith. "We must do everything possible to turn back this tax and return some small measure of fair play to senior citizens."

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