FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                         Contact: Brian Thomas (202) 225-6605

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Kenny Marchant (TX-24) issued the following release upon receiving “Taxpayers’ Friend Award” from the National Taxpayers Union.

 “I am honored to be a recipient of the “Taxpayers’ Friend Award” from the National Taxpayers Union (NTU). As one of only 39 recipients of this award in the House of Representatives, there is no clearer proof of my commitment to protecting the interests of hardworking taxpayers than this highly-coveted award.”

The award is given to Representatives and Senators who achieve an “A” grade in NTU’s annual Rating of Congress. The Rating, which is based on every roll call vote affecting fiscal policy, assigns a “Taxpayer Score” to each Member of Congress that indicates his or her support for reducing or controlling federal spending, taxes, debt, and regulation. For 2008, a total of 182 House votes and 104 Senate votes were selected.

“Given today’s economic climate, fiscal discipline is more important now than ever,” NTU President Duane Parde said. “Fortunately, taxpayers have a staunch ally in Congressman Marchant. His pro-taxpayer score of 85 percent was one of the best in the entire Congress,” Parde said. “By voting time and again to reduce federal spending, taxes, and debt, Congressman Marchant has led by example in the fight to defend overburdened taxpayers across the country. If every Member of Congress were as principled as Congressman Marchant, current and future generations of Americans could enjoy much lower taxes and a less wasteful government,” Parde concluded. “Hard-working families in Texas’ 24th District and across the nation owe Congressman Marchant a debt of gratitude for his effort on their behalf. He has truly earned the title ‘Taxpayers’ Friend.’”

“As the 111th Congress kicks into high gear, there will be the usual temptation by some to increase taxes to cover the dramatic rise in federal government spending. I, however, will continue to push for responsible stewardship of taxpayers dollars and will work with my colleagues to lighten the heavy burden of taxation on families and small businesses in the 24th District. They deserve nothing less from their elected representatives.”  

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