For Immediate Release: December 4, 2012
VIRGINIA ORGANIZING CHAPTERS DEMONSTRATE AT REP. HURT'S OFFICE TO END BUSH TAX CUTS FOR WEALTHY AND PROTECT SOCIAL SAFETY NETS
Danville, VA — Virginia Organizing members organized a protest at U.S. Representative Robert Hurt's Danville Office on Tuesday and remained in his office for about two hours to ensure the message was received. Forty participants called on Representative Hurt to end the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest two percent and to protect social safety net programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security.
"I believe it's important we tell Representative Hurt that there are people living in his district that are coming to the age of retirement, and we are worried that we won't receive the benefits we've all worked so hard for," said Virginia Organizing leader Johnny Mayo. "The wealthiest two percent are not going to be harmed by losing the Bush tax cuts, but the rest of us could be hurt if they decide to cut programs that we all rely on. Do the wealthy really expect us to lose benefits to pay for their tax cuts? It's ridiculous," said Mayo.
Virginia Organizing has mobilized across the state to call on Congress to end the average $160,000 tax cut for millionaires and billionaires. Virginia Organizing is a state affiliate of Americans for Tax Fairness, a national group focusing on a fair tax system that works for all people, not just the wealthy.
Ben Wright of Virginia Organizing's Danville Chapter was most excited about getting the message to the people of Danville. "Representative Hurt won't meet with Virginia Organizing or hold public meetings to talk to the people about our needs, but he supports keeping the Bush tax cuts even for millionaires and billionaires," said Wright. "What the federal government does affects our state budget and that affects our local budgets. Three schools are closing because of budget cuts and the last thing we need here in Danville is more tax breaks for the wealthy while we try to figure out how to pay for programs that benefit everyone."
To interview a spokesperson or protest participant, please contact Amanda Pohl at 804-337-1912 or amanda@virginia-organizing.org.Photos and video of the protest are available.
Virginia Organizing is a statewide grassroots organization that brings people together to create a more just Virginia.
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