Southampton - Congressman Tim Bishop applauded New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos for striking a bipartisan tax reform agreement that will raise revenue while providing a tax cut to millions of middle class New Yorkers and reducing the MTA Payroll tax. Bishop said he hoped the bipartisan agreement would serve as a model for consensus on tax reform and deficit reduction in the federal government.

"In the face of a deficit, New York State is asking those who are doing very well to pay their fair share while providing a tax cut to middle class families and small business that will improve the economy and help create jobs," said Congressman Bishop. "I suggest we all look to this bipartisan cooperation in Albany as a model for ending our dysfunction."

"We can't balance the budget solely on the backs of the straining middle class and seniors on fixed incomes," Bishop added. "Governor Cuomo has worked with the both parties in the Legislature to cut spending and increase revenue. Congress should take the same bipartisan, balanced approach to deficit reduction and demand the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share. I call on my colleagues to put the oath they took to this country ahead of any 'pledge' they may have signed and work towards a bipartisan compromise on the federal level."