The New England Council, an alliance of businesses throughout New England, wants Congress to extend the current tax rate on capital gains and dividends.

This week, the council sent a letter to each New England member of Congress that urges extension of the existing tax rates, arguing that it would encourage investment in companies that in turn grow, create jobs and drive the economy, according to a statement.

"Allowing the tax rates on capital gains and dividends to increase dramatically at the beginning of next year would interrupt economic gains we’ve worked so hard to make in the past 18 months," said James T. Brett, president and CEO of the New England Council. "Continuity and predictability in taxes helps facilitate economic growth, and it simply does not make sense to increase these taxes just as we are beginning to see signs of recovery."