as soon as this year ends, so does that tax cut. approximate if congress fails to renew this tax cut before then, that same family sees a tax hike of $1,000 a year. there aren't many folks, either in the middle class or those trying to get into the middle class, who can afford to give up $1,000, not right now. that's why congress must act. although the unemployment rate went down last month, our recovery is still fragile. the situation in europe has added to that uncertainty. that's why the ma the jort of the economists believe it's important to extend the payroll tax cut. those economists would lower their growth estimates for our economy if it doesn't happen. not only is extending the payroll tax cut important for the economy as a whole, it's obviously important for individual families. it's important insurance for them against the unexpected.