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Payroll Tax Information, DADT Anniversary, and Landmark Mercury Standard: Deputies' Download

December 23, 2011 at 11:34 AM ET by Anne Filipic and Stephanie Valencia
Summary: 
This week President Obama spoke about the payroll tax cut and announced a landmark standard to protect American families and the environment from mercury pollution. This week also marked one year since the President signed the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Repeal Act.

On Thursday, President Obama spoke about the payroll tax cut and emphasized that 160 million Americans would be affected if the House didn’t take action. And this week, we heard what $40 means to you and saw your strong support for extending the payroll tax cut for the full year. Check out the map below to see responses from all over the country and all 50 states.

We heard from over 30,000 of you. And Congress heard you, too. This morning, Congress ended the partisan stalemate and the House passed an extension of payroll tax cuts for 160 million workers and unemployment benefits for millions of Americans.

On Thursday evening, the President issued a statement congratulating Congress for reaching a deal, and said: “Because of this agreement, every working American will keep his or her tax cut – about $1,000 for the average family. That’s about $40 in every paycheck. Vital unemployment insurance will continue for millions of Americans who are looking for work. And when Congress returns, I urge them to keep working to reach an agreement that will extend this tax cut and unemployment insurance for all of 2012 without drama or delay.”

Thursday marked one year since the President signed the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Repeal Act. Senior Advisor to the President, Valerie Jarrett said it best, “We're reminded that when we work together to make our union more perfect, change is not just possible, but inevitable. On this historic anniversary, we look forward to continuing to work with all those who love our country, and seek a more perfect union.”

Also on Wednesday, President Obama announced a landmark standard to protect American families and the environment from mercury pollution. When fully implemented, these new standards will, on an annual basis, help prevent:

  • Up to 11,000 premature deaths;
  • 2,800 cases of chronic bronchitis;
  • 4,700 heart attacks;
  • 130,000 asthma attacks;
  • 5,700 hospital and emergency room visits; and
  • 540,000 days when people miss work or school.

Finally, the White House and the Office of Public Engagement want to wish you and your family happy holidays and a wonderful New Year. It was a successful holiday season for us this year, as we welcomed 85,000 visitors to the White House. For more, check out obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/holidays.

Anne Filipic and Stephanie Valencia are the Deputy Directors of the Office of Public Engagement.