The tax cut debate is heating up in Washington and we need your help!

On Saturday, December 4, the U.S. Senate failed to extend the tax cuts for only the middle class (98% of Americans) and extend unemployment benefits for one year. Senator Jim Webb joined Republicans and several Democrats in casting a disappointing NO vote.

Now due to Senator Jim Webb’s NO vote, Congress and President Barack Obama are poised to extend all of the tax cuts, including those for Americans making over $250,000. They have made a “devil’s bargain” to secure necessary tax cuts for the middle class and a critical one-year extension of unemployment benefits.  Senator Mark Warner describes this tax deal as “kicking the can down the road.” We agree.

Senator Jim Webb has in the past been a strong supporter of extending unemployment benefits and helping the middle class, and we commend him for that.  Yet his vote on Saturday shows that he is willing to sacrifice his principles in order to provide a tax cut for his wealthiest constituents.

Tomorrow we will have a conference call with Doug Ierely of Senator Webb’s staff to give his office a chance to explain his vote and hear our concerns. A group of Virginia Organizing leaders will be on the phone call, but we also want to you a chance to make sure that your voice is heard.

Please email Brian Johns bjohns@virginia-organizing.org with your questions or comments for Senator Jim Webb. We will try to get to as many questions as possible.

Please include your full name and city or zip code with your questions or stories. The questions we do not get to on the call will be faxed to Senator Webb’s office.  (You can also call Senator Webb’s office directly at 1-866-507-1570 or email here.)

Thank you so much for helping us hold our elected officials accountable.