Today, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, through its Institute for Public Affairs applauded the U.S. Senate’s 60-39 vote approving a measure designed to abolish the tax code’s unfair treatment of married couples.

Currently, public policy, as embodied by the federal tax code, treats married couples unfavorably as compared to unmarried couples. This is reflected in the simple fact that many married couples filing jointly pays higher taxes than if the same couple with the same earnings paid their taxes separately. This “penalty” hits hard-working, lower to middle income families, with two working parents when the higher-earner of which makes between $20,000 and $75,000 per year.

Nathan Diament, director of the Union’s public policy arm, stated that “the Orthodox Jewish community is one which is highly family oriented; thus, we welcome the Senate’s vote to ensure that a man and woman are not financially penalized solely because they choose to commit themselves to marriage. With mounting budget surpluses, there is no reason not to rectify this inappropriate aspect of America’s tax laws.

We hope the House will pass this measure quickly and that the President will sign it into law.”