Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today voted to extend the payroll tax cut through the end of 2012 and provide critical relief for Minnesota families. The payroll tax cut was set to expire at the end of February, and without the extension the average Minnesota family would have faced a tax increase of $1050.

“During these challenging economic times, the last thing Minnesota families need is a tax hike. With this extension, middle-class families won’t be hit with an average tax increase of nearly $1050 this year, and seniors on Medicare won’t lose access to their doctors,” Klobuchar said.“This agreement shows we can come together and do what’s right for American families. It’s what the American people expect us to do, and it’s what they deserve.”

Last week, Klobuchar released a county-by-county interactive map on her website showing how Minnesota families will benefit from extending the payroll tax cut through the end of the year. The county-by-county map can be viewed here.