Obama Signs Off With “Aloha” as Payroll Tax Cut Extension Passes

By Wendy Osher

President Barack Obama speaking at APEC. File photo courtesy of HawaiiNewsNow.

President Barack Obama today joined Hawaii’s Congressional leaders in lauding the passage of a payroll tax cut extension.

“This is some good news, just in the nick of time for the holidays,” said Obama during a press briefing this morning, before his planned trip to Hawaii.

Before his departure, President Obama thanked Congress for their work in reaching the agreement saying, “More money spent by more Americans means more businesses hiring more workers–and that’s a boost for everybody.”

The President provided some clarity though, saying more work is still ahead.  “This continues to be a make or break moment for middle class in this country, and were going to have to roll up our sleeves together–Democrats and Republicans–to make sure that the economy is growing, and to make sure that more jobs are created.”

The House agreement to pass the Senate’s bipartisan payroll tax cut also drew praise from Hawaii’s congressional delegation.

Rep. Mazie Hirono said the two-month extension of the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits is expected to provide relief for thousands of Hawaii families heading into the holidays.

“With just three days left before Christmas, 700,000 Hawaii workers can enjoy the remainder of the holiday season without having to worry about whether their taxes would go up starting New Year’s Day. This also means 3,000 people in the islands won’t see their unemployment benefits disappear in January,” said Rep. Hirono.

US Senator Daniel Akaka said the compromise prevents a tax hike on middle-class workers as they head into the holidays, and helps out-of-work Americans provide for their families.

“When we return to Washington after the holidays we will need to resolve differences and pass a full-year extension that will save the average Hawaii family over $1,000 in taxes next year,” said Sen. Akaka, who remained hopeful that a compromise would prevail moving forward.

President Obama signed off from his morning briefing, simply saying saying “Aloha,” an indication of his holiday plans in Hawaii.

The President is due to arrive in Hawaii tonight, returning to the islands after his recent APEC visit.