Students and their families share why Congress needs to act now to keep taxes low for middle-class Americans:

"I am a former foster youth who emancipated from foster care two years ago. Now, I am a college student at San Francisco State University and working while I am in college. What does $2,000 mean to me? I could use it to pay for my tuition, books, and college expenses while I don't have any family to pay for my education. It could be an investment for me in the future. It could help me get a degree and earn a college education. This can help my future endeavor to have a better job and pay more taxes to create more jobs for Americans to sustain our economy and growth."
—Colin, California

"It means paying down my student loans and the small amount of debt from being a student health care worker."
—David, Missouri

"Right now, $2,000 would mean a great deal. I could catch up on several student loan payments or pay my house payment for November and December. In the alternative, I would assist my daughter with more opportunities during her first year of college, such as voice lessons, a new winter coat, and maybe even a little winter break road trip. There are a million things I could do with $2,000."
—Debra, New Mexico

"For me and my family, $2,000 would mean a lot. As a full-time working student, I struggle to help my family make it day by day. Since my father lost his job, we are constantly struggling to make ends meet and living paycheck to paycheck. I pay for my education—$2,000 could jeopardize it. Without that education, becoming the person I want to be, accomplishing the goals I have set for myself, and most importantly, helping my family move forward would be nearly impossible."
—Cynthia, Florida

"Currently, I am a full-time university student with little to no income. I have to pay for my own education with money I get from odd jobs. An extra $2,000 a year would allow me to afford food, living expenses, and gifts for the holidays."
—Daniel, California

What does $2,000 mean to you?