The Congressional Republicans, in the past always against increasing the deficit, are trying to ram through tax legislation that would drastically increase the deficit by giving huge tax cuts to the billionaire/millionaire class and corporations. They have admitted that they are being pressured by their rich donors (i.e. Koch Brothers, Trump, friends of Trump, and others) who want huge tax cuts.
The selfish billionaire/millionaire class want to continue to use their money and power to buy and manipulate the political system, accumulate even more money (to deposit in offshore accounts), and ensure that their stock holders benefit handsomely. Remember, the Congressional Republicans absolutely need their rich donors to continue their reign and penalize us.
The Congressional Republicans are trying to push the lie that trickle-down economics benefits us. History has shown us time and again that this approach absolutely does not work. The winners of big tax cuts are not benevolent people — they will not improve working conditions for the regular folk, they will not increase wages, they will not create jobs.
The Washington Post reported that “Senate GOP to add repeal of Obamacare individual mandate into tax bill.” Clearly the tyrannical Trump administration and the Congressional Republicans are out of touch with Americans. This is despicable. They are attacking every one of us.
Repealing the Obamacare individual mandate would greatly increase insurance premiums, and sooner rather than later will cause damage to the ACA, including threatening health care for millions of people. Contrary to what Trump says, Obamacare is not in a death spiral; the Republicans are doing everything in their power to kill it.
What will happen if they pass this combination tax scam and health care repeal? They will not stop there. Soon they will fervently start agitating for deficit reduction. How will they reduce the deficit? By making huge cuts to Medicare and Social Security. I can’t imagine that any level-headed American would think this is OK.
Surprisingly, a group of benevolent, patriotic American millionaires and billionaires have banded together to urge Republicans in Congress to raise their taxes instead of cutting them. In a letter first reported by The Washington Post on Sunday, more than 400 of America’s wealthiest citizens are asking congressional Republicans to reconsider tax reform legislation that would dramatically lower taxes for corporations and the rich.
“We are high net worth individuals, many in the top 1%, who care deeply about our nation and its people, and we write with a simple request: Do not cut our taxes,” says the letter crafted by the advocacy group, Responsible Wealth. The group takes aim at the GOP tax proposals that would benefit the most affluent Americans and increase income inequality. The letter also criticizes proposals for benefitting corporations over individuals.
Congress will take a key tax plan vote this week. The House could vote as soon as Wednesday or Thursday as the Senate begins markup of their bill. Please contact our elected federal officials to express your opposition: Representative Jared Huffman at 202-225-5161, and Senators Harris at 202-224-3553 and Feinstein at 202-224-3841. You can use the script below.
Caller: Hello. My name is (_________) and I’m calling from Northern CA. I’m calling to let (Representative Huffman / Senator Harris / Senator Feinstein) know that I strongly oppose the tax bill that the Ways and Means Committee reported out on November 9. Adding the repeal of Obamacare is unconscionable. This tax bill is a scam that will give massive cuts to the wealthy, paid for by forcing deep cuts to critical programs like Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.
Be part of the change you want to see. Become a member of Cloverdale Indivisible. For information please contact us at cl*******************@gm***.com.
Vicky Groom is founder and co-deader of Cloverdale Indivisible.
