From Progress Virginia
Virginians Rally To End Bush Tax Cuts for the Wealthy
Dozens of activists ask Congressman Forbes to put the middle class before millionaires
Chesapeake, VA – Dozens of Virginians gathered on Saturday to rally for an end to the Bush tax cuts for the top 2%. The activists gathered at Congressman Forbes’ Chesapeake to hear from community members on the issue before going door-to-door to urge neighbors to contact their representative.
Ken Ehrenthal, a retired teacher, spoke about the cuts Virginians will face if Congress refuses to make a deal to protect middle class families. “I do have concern about the cut to Medicaid. I work as an ombudsman in assisted living and nursing homes. I do know that all too many seniors rely on Medicaid to allow them to live in these facilities. We should never allow ideology to trump good care.”
Alexis Edwards, a home care worker, also expressed concern about forced cuts to safety net programs. “”I serve the population who depend on Medicare and Medicaid. This will surely hurt my job.”
Leslie Frazier was energized by the rally and excited to talk to her neighbors about ending the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy. “The rally was a success! Those who attended were extremely passionate, concerned, and ready to continue sending messages to Congress about how important it is to end the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy. I am truly inspired, fired up, and also ready to take action!”
After rallying at Congressman Forbes’ office, Virginians went door-to-door in the Congressman’s neighborhood, gathering support for ending the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy. Virginians who wish to take action to end the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy can get involved at www.TheAction.org
UPDATE: See the “flip” for a similar rally in Reston.
Virginians Rally To End Bush Tax Cuts for the Wealthy
Dozens of activists ask Congressman Wolf to put the middle class before millionaires
Reston, VA – Dozens of Virginians gathered on Saturday to rally for an end to the Bush tax cuts for the top 2%. The activists gathered at Reston Used Bookstore to hear from community members on the issue before going door-to-door to urge neighbors to contact Congressman Wolf. Those gathered expressed concern that middle class taxes could go up over $2,000 a year if leaders in D.C. don't compromise and put the middle class before millionaires.
Morgan Jameson, a student, told the assembled crowd why protecting the middle class and eliminating the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy is important to him. “My generation, people working around the clock, can’t afford to see tax cuts expire for the middle class. The average middle class family sees a tax cut of approximately $2,200 a year. If those tax cuts went away, I, and many other people, could not afford the gas it takes to get to and from work. I think it’s important that we ask those at the top to pay a little bit more.”
Mariama Balde works for the Fairfax County School System. She said, “I have people coming to me about the fiscal cliff. I saw a man, a nurse, who has to work two jobs. His son is handicap and in a wheelchair, and he is looking for a mini van so his son can get around. He came to me, in tears, about the fiscal cliff. He said “how am I going to do this – if they take away the $2000 – how will I get this for my son?” The concern is so obvious to everyday people. That money is big for us”
After rallying at Reston Used Bookstore, Virginians went door-to-door in Congressman Wolf’s neighborhood, gathering support for extending middle class tax cuts and asking the wealthy to pay their far share. To get involved with the campaign to end the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy in your area, visitwww.TheAction.org
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