Memphis, TN (abc24.com) - There is worry in the Mid-South as lawmakers in Washington continue to fight over extending payroll tax benefits. Without any intervention from Congress, the cuts will expire at midnight on January 1st.
"It doesn't feel good because it is already a little hard out here, for everyone," said Stacey Kerr, a waitress at Lunchbox Eats in Downtown Memphis.
Kerr works hard for her money, and doesn't like to hear inaction in Washington could mean the 2 percent tax will reappear on her paycheck next month.
"As far as the 2% coming out, I am hoping something changes for the best," Kerr said.
If lawmakers don't pass a deal, certain unemployment benefits could also be in limbo, and doctors could see a 27 percent cut in Medicare payments.
"It makes me feel very sad that we all have to wait on someone's decision before we can get benefits," said Terry Harris as she waited at the Memphis Unemployment Office.