Fw: [NOW-action-list] Oppose Bush's Tax Giveaway

[Guest guest]

FYI! MM

From our NOW Lobbyists!

Martha Murdock, DirectorNational Silicone Implant Foundation | Dallas Headquarters"Supporting Survivors of Medical Implant Devices"4416 Willow LaneDallas, TX 75244-7537

----- Original Message ----- From: NOW Action Center

now-action-list@...

Sent: Monday, March 17, 2003 5:57 PM

Subject: [NOW-action-list] Oppose Bush's Tax Giveaway

Support NOW's Work |

March 17, 2003

| Tell a Friend

Action Needed

Background

All NOW Actions

More on Economic Issues

Call Your Senators to Oppose Bush's Tax Giveaway

Action Needed:

Please participate in the national call-in day on Wednesday, March 19 to tell senators that you oppose Bush's second huge tax giveaway. Our coalition partners are sponsoring a toll free 1-888-280-6279 number for you to use to urge your senators to vote against the $726 billion package of tax cuts.

This proposal, combined with earlier tax cuts, would create a national debt of $5 trillion by 2008--and that's before the costs of war on Iraq are counted. Many analysts say that the cuts will mainly benefit very high income earners. We must stop the Bush administration and the right-wing leadership in Congress that want to slash government programs and make their rich friends richer!

Background:

The Senate begins debate this week on the budget and tax cut package; they need to hear from women all across the country right now. We need to let them know that more money for the wealthy will not solve our immediate economic problems. More than 2 million workers have lost their jobs over the last year; many millions more could be out of work unless our economy is turned around soon. As important, the huge loss of revenue to the government will undoubtedly result in deep cuts in human needs programs (we know that the military-minded leadership won't be cutting the defense budget).

The House Budget Committee last week announced a budget plan that includes significant reductions in veterans' benefits and huge cuts in Medicare, Medicaid, Food Stamps, farm programs and other areas. At the same time, the committee is proposing a tax cut package of $1.4 trillion through 2013. The Tax Policy Center estimates that this plan would mean an average tax break of $90,000 for everyone who earns more than $1 million.

The Bush/House Budget Committee tax cut, if rejected, could provide enough funds to cover health insurance costs for 33 million of the 75 million who were uninsured over the last two years. For just half of the tax cut, 100,000 new teachers could be hired, urgent school construction needs could be met and 9 million low income children could receive special math and reading assistance. The list of unmet needs is long and Bush with his right-wing colleagues in the Congress appear not to care. Our voices need to be strong in letting senators know that they are heading this country down the wrong track.

Some senators are proposing that a tax cut package of up to $350 billion--about half the Bush/House committee amount--be considered. But the National Organization for Women and our many allies say that even this is too much. When we face the uncertainty of war, a poor economy, high unemployment and increased welfare rolls, NOW President Kim Gandy says, "It is truly the height of fiscal foolhardiness to be passing any large scale tax cuts--especially when Congress says that they will have to then cut programs that help millions of low and moderate income families."

For up-to-date details on the Bush administration's and House Budget Committee's irresponsible tax cuts and 2004 spending proposal, check out Fair Taxes for All, the coalition website; the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, and the March edition of the NOW Legislative Update.

Please pass this message along to your friends, and make the call! Dial toll free 1-888-280-6279 and get your message across about the Bush/House Budget Committee foolish tax cut proposals (and please call as early in the day as possible to make sure that your call gets through).

Your Message:

I oppose any further tax cuts for the wealthy because important government programs on which many women and low income families depend may end up being reduced or eliminated. Bush's irresponsible tax cut and budgetary plans will further weaken the economy, increase our already high unemployment rate and hurt millions of families.

The Bush/House Budget Committee tax cut package will also plunge the country into deeper long term debt. It will do nothing to stimulate the economy now and may result in worsening our ailing economy.

I strongly urge you to vote for fiscal responsibility by opposing any tax cuts at this time. Please focus on a budget which adequately funds all human needs programs and takes steps to aid fiscally-troubled states. Our country's economic future depends upon your good decisions now.

SUPPORT NOW:Support NOW's Work for Equal Rights | Join NOW | Shop Online | Member Benefits

LEARN MORE:NOW.org | TheTruthAbout.com | NOW News Releases

TAKE ACTION:Get Involved | Legislative Action Center | Find Your Nearest Chapter | Tell a Friend

LISTS:Unsubscribe, Change List Options | Subscribe | All Lists