I hope you had a lovely holiday and all is well. I'm writing with a quick update on the "fiscal cliff" and how you can get involved.

Right now, President Obama is asking you to think about what $X a year means to you and your family -- because Congress needs to hear it.

The Senate has passed a bill that stops taxes from going up for 98 percent of American families, and asks those who can afford it to pay a little more. If the House follows suit, President Obama is ready to sign it as soon as it hits his desk.

If they fail to do so, a typical middle-class family of four will see their taxes go up by $X in just a few short weeks.

President Obama is asking Congress to do the right thing and act before the New Year, but he needs our help. We've got a good track record here: When we make our voices heard and urge Congress to take action -- whether it's about health care, student loans, Wall Street reform, or "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" -- they listen.

Watch this new video about the President's tax plan, and take a moment to share your story: What does $X a year mean to you and your family?

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For more than 19 months, President Obama campaigned on the idea that if we're going to be successful, every American has to do their part and pay their fair share.

A centerpiece of his platform, and the campaign you built, was that income taxes should not go up on the middle class -- that the responsible way to pay down the deficit, while investing in education, job training, research, and science, is to ask the wealthiest Americans to pay a little more.

None of this is a surprise to anyone in Washington. They heard the same arguments we did -- they paid attention to the campaign, and then they saw a clear majority of voters deliver a verdict on November 6th.

If and when the House passes this bill, 98 percent of American families and 97 percent of small businesses will not see a tax increase.

Your story matters and Congress needs to hear it.

Think about what $X a year can do for you, or your family, or someone you know, and submit it here:

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Stephanie

Stephanie Cutter Deputy Campaign Manager Obama for America

P.S. -- We've got to make our voices heard in this debate. Share what $X means to you, and then ask your friends and family to do the same:

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