Rep. Blaine’s Bulletin: Happy Easter

WASHINGTON, March 30 -- Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-Missouri, issued the following column:

This week, families across the globe will celebrate Easter Sunday. This is a time to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and the many sacrifices he made for us. Many of us will be lucky enough to spend this blessed holiday surrounded by our loved ones and reflecting on our blessings.

For our family, that means getting everyone together with all the grandkids running around. It means dyeing eggs, Easter egg hunts, and Easter service. As I look forward to this family time, I am also reminded of the great things happening for families across America so they can continue to enjoy their time with loved ones and have the opportunity to achieve their American dream.

Over the past year, Congress has been working to make sure families have the financial freedom to save, spend, and invest in the way they see fit. That's why I was proud to support comprehensive tax reform, which was signed into law by President Trump just before Christmas.

While the new tax reform law helps businesses and individuals, it has many specific provisions aimed at helping families. First, by providing tax cuts to families, you will be able to keep more of your hard-earned money. The new law also doubles the Child Tax Credit and expands it to include more families across the nation. In addition, the law preserves the Child and Dependent Care tax credit, helping families care for their children and older dependents who may need additional support. For those who open their hearts and homes to an adopted child, the new tax law preserves the Adoption Tax Credit.

Keeping your family healthy and happy is one of the most important aspects of being a parent, but in today's day and age, it can also become a financial burden. Thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the unpopular and ineffective Obamacare individual mandate has been eliminated. To our Missouri families, that means you will no longer be forced to buy government-dictated health insurance. Many families did not want, did not need, and oftentimes could not afford this insurance. Congress and the Trump Administration eliminated this mandate so families across the nation will have the freedom to choose a healthcare plan that fits their needs.

Perhaps just as important as additional money is the ability to spend more quality time with our families. With increased wages, bonuses, and improved benefits for millions of Americans, more parents now have the option of spending additional time at home instead of picking up every minute of overtime to make ends meet. Further, until now, tax season has been a nightmare for families forced to hire accountants or spending days trying to decipher our overly complex tax code. Thankfully, that will no longer be the case. With the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, 9 out of 10 Americans will be able to file their taxes on a single sheet of paper, saving precious time and money.

The average family of four in Missouri's 3rd Congressional District will see a tax savings of $2,555 this year. I've been contacted by numerous families across our region telling me they can now pay for their children's piano lessons, sign their kids up to play baseball in the spring, or put new boots on their loved ones' feet during our seemingly endless winter. I'm proud to have supported this legislation and I am confident Missourians will continue to see the benefits.

As this Lenten Season comes to a close, let us also remember our brave men and women serving in uniform who are separated from their families. And let us pray for their safety and their strength and a quick return home. On behalf of myself, my family, and my staff, I hope you all have a joyful Easter Sunday.