Commits to Fight for Repeal in Congress

WASHINGTON, DC–Washington’s Second Congressional District candidate John Koster signed the American Family Business Institute’s (AFBI) “Death Tax Repeal Pledge” at a press conference today.  The event was hosted at Morrison Farms (Mount Vernon, WA). 

By signing the pledge, Koster commits to vote for permanent repeal of the Federal Estate Tax, commonly referred to as the “Death Tax.” 

AFBI’s President Dick Patten praised Koster for signing the pledge, saying “By supporting estate tax repeal, Koster will help save local jobs and businesses.”

A recent study from the American Family Business Foundation, AFBI’s research and education arm, found that repealing the Death Tax would increase nationwide employment by 1.5 million jobs.  In Washington alone, repealing the Death Tax would add nearly 34,000 new jobs.

“Koster has been a strong advocate for permanently repealing this unfair double tax.  He understands that the Death Tax penalizes family farmers and business owners when they die.  I’m encouraged that he has committed to taking a more active role in the repeal fight,” Patten added.  “With the economy in the midst of a prolonged recession, we need to be helping family businesses and farmers, not hitting them with an additional tax.”

The estate tax is a tax on the net value of a decedent's estate, including all personal and business assets, before distribution to their heirs.  Because business assets are included, the Estate Tax hits family business owners and farmers – the engines of economic growth -- particularly hard. 

The Federal Estate Tax has expired for one year in 2010, but will return at a 55 percent rate on all assets over $1 million in 2011 unless Congress acts first.  Most political observers expect a heated legislative battle over the tax this year. 

The American Family Business Institute is a national, non-partisan organization of farmers and business owners who are committed to permanent repeal of the Death Tax.