As he pushes ahead with war plans, President Bush is also exploiting
the national preoccupation with the war by trying to pass a gigantic
new tax cut. The Bush tax package includes $700 billion in new cuts,
and a total revenue reduction of more than $2 trillion over the next
ten years.* These cuts will primarily benefit the wealthiest Americans.
With the imminent start of war, we know this is a hard time to focus on
anything else. But because you've been one of our most active members,
we hope you can find a moment to make two calls today. The Senate vote
on the Bush tax plan could come as soon as today, Tuesday, March 18th.
The AFL-CIO has generously provided a toll-free number. Please call
both of your Senators now, at:
1-888-280-6279
If that number is busy, please call your Senators directly, at:
Senator Durbin
DC Phone: 202-224-2152
Senator Fitzgerald
DC Phone: 202-224-2854
Make sure the staffers know you're a constituent. Then urge your
Senators to:
"Please OPPOSE the President's tax cut package. We simply
can't afford it."
Please let us know you're making these important calls.
In the next year alone, President Bush's tax plan would give
millionaires an average tax cut of $90,000. In contrast, half of all
tax filers would receive tax breaks of less than $100.
As economic stimulus, this is backwards. The right way to stimulate
the economy is to help people whose need is greatest, because they
will spend the money fastest.
It's also backwards to be cutting taxes on this enormous scale as we
head for a war that could cost hundreds of billions.
The $2 trillion total reduction in public revenue from the Bush tax
package will make it much harder to meet real needs, including:
Homeland Security/First Responders - The Bush budget falls $10
million short in funding homeland security needs. Domestic
security is being compromised as firefighters and police are being
laid off around the nation.
Education - The President’s "No Child Left Behind" act has not yet
been fully funded. For FY 2004, the President’s budget falls $6
billion short of the $18.5 billion called for by the act. This
budget provides no substantial relief to schools across the nation
facing dramatic budget cuts.
State and local governments - State and local governments everywhere
are struggling with massive deficits. As a result, deep cuts are
being made in important areas including health care, education, and
child care.
Unemployment - Over the past two years, the economy has lost more
than 2 million private sector jobs. Despite this, the President’s
budget does not provide for extensions of unemployment insurance for
all affected workers.
The vote could come as soon as today. Please call your Senators right
away.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
--The MoveOn Team
Carrie, Eli, Joan, Peter, Wes, and Zack
March 18, 2003
* Source:
www.cbpp.org/2-14-03tax.htm