President Obama Signs the Payroll Tax Cut

Matt Compton

February 22, 2012
06:59 PM EST

Just now, President Obama signed the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 -- extending the payroll tax cut and emergency jobless benefits through the end of the year.
Last week, the President called on Americans from across the country to add their voices to the debate and let us know what they would do without an extra $40 in their paychecks. Thousands of individuals did exactly that, and it made all the difference.
At the time, President Obama said, "Until you see me sign this thing, you've got to keep on speaking up...If it's not on the White House website, it hasn't happened."
It happened. Here's that picture the President promised:

President Barack Obama signs H.R. 3630 - Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 in the Oval Office, Feb. 22, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

David Plouffe sent an email to the people who shared their stories with the White House, and they were the first folks to get the news. Here's what he said:

Good evening --
 When President Obama asked you to speak out on the payroll tax cut, you jumped into action. Thousands of individuals from across the country wrote in to say what $40 with each paycheck means to their families.
And it worked.
President Obama just signed the legislation extending the tax cut and emergency jobless benefits through the end of the year.
When the President spoke with a group of individuals who came to the White House after sharing their stories, he said, "Until you see me sign this thing, you've got to keep on speaking up...If it's not on the White House website, it hasn't happened."
We just posted a picture of the President signing the bill on WhiteHouse.gov. Go check it out.
Extending the payroll tax cut was a critical step for middle class families, but we still have a lot more work to do. So get ready.
Thanks,
David
David Plouffe
Senior Adviser