In addition to the media conference, Virginia Organizing, Virginia Interfaith Center, SEIU Virginia 512, Virginia AFL-CIO, ProgressVA, and Virginia New Majority sent a letter to U.S. Senator Mark Warner asking that he support ending the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest two percent, a move that will provide $1 trillion in revenue over the next 10 years and almost pay for the $1.2 trillion in sequestration over 10 years.

 

Lillie A. Estes, a Virginia Organizing member, provided her reasons for supporting ending the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans.  "As a member of Virginia Organizing, I have been involved with trying to change oppressive systems that benefit only the wealthiest two percent,” Estes said. “Our elected officials have a responsibility to all people, not just the wealthy. If we can reduce some deficit problems in our nation and continue to provide Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security to those who need it by eliminating the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest two percent, why wouldn't we?" 

 

The organizations are also asking Senator Warner to end loopholes that only benefit big corporations. The Office of Management and Budget reports that over the last 50 years, corporate taxes as a share of revenue have declined by 60 percent. In addition, companies receive tax breaks to ship jobs overseas. Earlier this year, the U.S. House of Representatives declined to end that tax break.

 

Anna Scholl, Executive Director of ProgressVA, stated, "Virginians need leadership that fights for an economy that works for everyone. The choice is clear: a country where hardworking families pay more so the richest few pay less–or an America where we all pay our fair share and get a fair shot."

 

The Bush tax cuts provide an average $160,000 per year tax break for the wealthiest. The organizations recognize that cuts have to be made in some areas of spending, but propose that those cuts be balanced with revenue increases on the wealthiest Americans, not on the backs of the middle class and those who rely on vital services.

 

Marco Grimaldo, President and CEO of Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, believes budgeting is more than a political issue; it is a moral concern for people of faith as well. "Low- and middle-income families have lost a lot in recent years and people of faith know that programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid can be life-saving to people and families in need,” Grimaldo said.  “The wealthiest two percent must pay their fair share to help our country get back on track and make sure that people get the help they need."

 

To interview a spokesperson or media conference participant, please contact Amanda Pohl at 804-337-1912 or amanda@virginia-organizing.org.