Protect Working Americans, End Tax Giveaways for Wealthy

With the lame-duck Congress and President Obama under pressure to forge a budget agreement to avoid a “fiscal cliff” at the end of the year, union activists across the country are sending a message to elected officials in both parties: Extend the tax cuts for Americans making less than $250,000 per year and oppose any efforts to cut Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid benefits.

The AFL-CIO organized more than 100 events on Dec. 10 urging members of Congress to allow the Bush-era tax cuts for the richest 2 percent expire without raising taxes on middle-class Americans and slashing the nation’s social safety net.

President Cliff Guffey has sent a mailing to APWU members, encouraging union members to send letters to their senators and representatives supporting the message.

“If Congress fails to act, massive cuts in government spending and significant tax increases will take effect at the beginning of the new year,” Guffey wrote. “On average, middle-class families will face a tax increase of approximately $2,000 per year. We can’t afford it and we shouldn’t have to!” The mailing includes sample letters and pre-addressed envelopes union members can complete and mail.

“Unfortunately, a majority of Republicans in Congress are refusing to extend tax cuts for America’s working families unless tax cuts are also extended for millionaires and billionaires,” Guffey noted in the letter to union members.

“President Obama and Democrats in Congress say those earning more than $250,000 per year must pay higher tax rates to help reduce the deficit. Polls indicate that more than 60 percent of Americans support this solution. They believe the nation’s wealthiest citizens must pay their fair share,” he said.

“We must let our senators and representatives know that we want the tax cuts extended for middle-class families,” Guffey said.

“We also must urge Congress to stand firm against cuts to the U.S. Postal Service and to the rights of postal employees,” the union president wrote. “With the deadline to make a deficit deal approaching, lawmakers will face enormous pressure to address the nation’s deficit. We must be vigilant to ensure that the USPS and our jobs are not sacrificed during behind-the-scenes negotiations.”

Click here for a sample letter to senators
Click here for a sample letter to representatives

Union members also can send messages electronically, by clicking here.