Activists kick off nationwide Lame Duck accountability campaign, close to 100 events planned
http://www.aflcio.org/ProtectOurFuture
Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF–November 8, 2012 –Less than 48 hours after the polls closed, working families are in communities across the country calling on their members of Congress to protect Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security and to end George Bush’s tax cuts for the richest 2 percent.
Retirees, activists and members of progressive and faith communities will host close to 100 events targeting members of Congress during the upcoming Lame Duck session. Events will take place outside members’ offices, health clinics, Social Security offices, construction sites and other community locations. In Nashville, Tennessee, working families are gathering for a roundtable with Congressman Jim Cooper to thank him for his pledge to protect Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. In Missoula, Montana, working families are marching to their congressional office.
The AFL-CIO also joined with progressive allies today to run a full-page ad in the Washington Post calling on President Obama and Congress to support Social Security, health care, education, infrastructure, and job creation – while asking everyone, including the wealthiest, to pay their fair share. The full ad can be seen here: bitly.com/WCEG4G
“Though the election confetti is still on the street, working families are already mobilizing to hold their elected leaders accountable,” said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. “The people advocating for benefit cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security are the same folks who want to cut taxes for the richest 2 percent. With working families across the country still struggling, we can’t afford to pay for any more tax breaks for those who need them the least.”
According to an AFL-CIO election night survey of the general public conducted by Hart Research Associates, by a 64% to 17% margin, voters say we should maintain Social Security and Medicare benefits, and address the deficit by increasing taxes on the rich, not by reducing Social Security and Medicare benefits.
For a list of events, see: http://local.americawantstowork.org/protectourfuture
Source: aflcio.org
