FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 12, 2006
CONTACT: Meredith Dodson
(202) 783-7100 x116
cell: (303) 475-5475
OR Anna Oman
(202) 234-8494

Senate Will Vote on Estate Tax Repeal Next Month--Will Add $1 Trillion to the Deficit as a Part of "Robin Hood in Reverse" Budget Priorities

Press Conference by Telephone, Wednesday, April 19, 11 am EST

Washington, DC--Republicans in the Senate, led by Majority Leader Bill Frist, are planning to hold a vote on repeal of the estate tax in May. Doing away with the estate tax would cost the U.S. Treasury $1 trillion over the next 10 years. The revenue lost could otherwise help fund education and health care, pay down the national debt, or address other pressing national priorities. Repeal would also widen the already enormous gulf that separates the ultra-rich and the rest of us.

Public support of the estate tax is growing, yet many myths around the tax remain prevalent owing to the inaccurate claims of pro-repeal lawmakers and special interests. Some claim that the estate tax harshly punishes family farms and small businesses. In addition, others claim the estate tax represents a double taxation that penalizes hard work. These are all false.

To set the record straight at this crucial time, we are bringing together top experts. Join us for this special briefing for reporters and editorial writers, followed by questions and answers from key experts. This call will take place Wednesday, April 19, 11 am EST and last 45 minutes. To sign up, contact Meredith Dodson at (202) 783-7100 x116 or e-mail dodson@results.org. This call is for journalists only.

Experts include:

• Tom Buis, president, National Farmers Union, which represents 250,000 family farmers
• Sheldon Cohen, former commissioner of the IRS and member of Responsible Wealth
• Adam Hughes, budget policy director of OMB Watch, a progressive research and advocacy group
• Moderated by Meredith Dodson, director of domestic campaigns at the grassroots citizens lobby RESULTS

Background information is available at www.results.org and www.fairestatetax.org.

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