What: Media Conference on lame duck session

 

When: November 27, 2012 — noon

 

Where: Free Speech Wall, outside City Hall

Charlottesville, VA: Virginia Organizing is holding a media conference on Tuesday, November 27 at noon to ask Congress to end the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy, pass a job creation bill that puts unemployed people back to work, and strengthen social safety net programs.   

 

Jesse Tyler, a Virginia Organizing member who has been unemployed for many months, believes that Congress should focus on creating jobs and extending unemployment insurance for those who cannot find work. 

 

"Unemployment is a lifeline for so many people. What we are talking about here is the choice between giving tax breaks to millionaires and billionaires, and keeping people in their homes with food on the table when they can't find jobs. I urge Congress to extend unemployment insurance benefits, pass a job creation bill, and end the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest two percent," said Tyler. 

 

Sandra A. Cook, Chairperson of Virginia Organizing, said, "The real questions we have to ask our elected officials are, 'Who is going to pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest two percent? Will it be the wealthiest who have benefitted the most and whose tax breaks have driven our country further into debt or will it be the rest of us?'"

 

The Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest two percent have been a drain on the economy for many years and have contributed significantly to the national debt. Ending the Bush tax cuts for only the wealthiest two percent will bring in about $1 trillion in revenue over 10 years, which would nearly cover the $1.2 trillion in required cuts over 10 years according to the current law set to take effect on January 3, 2013. 

 

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