National Coalition Launches Calls to Congress to Stop the Delay on Middle-Class Tax Cuts
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A national coalition in support of passing the middle-class tax cuts for 98 percent of American taxpayers and ending those tax cuts for the richest 2 percent launched a national action today urging supporters to call Congress and demand solutions. On Tuesday, House Democrats pressed for an up or down vote on the middle-class tax cuts bill passed by the U.S. Senate in July. There is a discharge petition in the U.S. House that if signed by every Democrat and at least 26 Republicans would force an up or down vote on middle-class tax cuts.
The American people want solutions, and we are encouraging everyone to call their Member of Congress and demand a vote now to give 98 percent of folks a tax cut. Americans have been nothing short of crystal clear: we have to extend the middle-class tax cuts now, and they should end for the richest 2 percent. But Republicans have said no at every turn and continue to hold the middle class hostage so that they can be used as bargaining chips to benefit millionaires and billionaires,” said Frank Clemente, campaign manager, Americans for Tax Fairness.
“The middle-class tax cut is an imperative for our country and our fragile economy, and would do much to help struggling families, including people of color, women, low-income individuals and people with disabilities. Raising taxes on these families would be both unfair and unwise as we seek to strengthen our economy. It’s time for the House to follow the Senate’s lead in passing the middle-class tax cut,” said Nancy Zirkin, executive vice president, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.
“The voters sent a clear message on election day to protect vital programs like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and education, as well as extend the tax cuts for the middle class. We cannot cut our way to prosperity, and the American people agree. Today, Congress will hear from people across the country as they are asked to keep their promise, make the wealthiest 2% pay their fair share and protect the vital programs that provide security and well-being to families and children,” said Chuck Loveless, federal government affairs director, AFSCME.
“Unfortunately, by holding middle class tax relief hostage to protect tax cuts for the wealthiest few, Republican members of Congress are choosing to ignore the strong and clear message voters sent on Nov. 7. So it’s up to the American people to speak up again – on Wednesday, December 5, a national day of action to demand a vote on extending middle class tax cuts with no strings attached. We can get our fiscal house in order but we have to make the right decisions. For working families and small businesses still crawling out of the wreckage of the Great Recession, the stakes are too high,” said Mary Kusler, director of government relations, National Education Association.
“In spite of the election results, the Republicans are continuing their assault on the middle class by trying to shift billions of dollars to big corporations and the richest Americans. The Republicans are out to rob future generations of the opportunity to do better than their parents and to share in the prosperity of a great nation. The Republican plan would make the American Dream unachievable for the vast majority of people in this country,” said Ethan Rome, executive director, Health Care for America Now.
“Why are the Republicans refusing to allow a vote to keep middle class taxes low? We support Speaker Pelosi’s fight for tax fairness,” said Garlin Gilchrist II, campaign director, MoveOn.org.
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