Airplane Banner Over Long Beach Raises Scrutiny Around Republican Effort to Cut Taxes for Corporations and Billionaires
Empire State Voices, Economic Security Project Action Kick Off Statewide Campaign to Draw Attention to the Upcoming Tax Fight in Congress
LONG BEACH, NEW YORK — On Saturday, residents enjoying a day at Long Beach turned their attention skyward to see an airplane banner highlighting the inequities of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, known by opponents as the Republican Tax Scam. The banner, paid for by Empire State Voices and Economic Security Project Action, is the start of a statewide campaign drawing attention to the upcoming fight over a slew of provisions from the 2017 law that are set to expire next year.
The banner is the start of a statewide campaign drawing attention to the upcoming fight over a slew of provisions from the 2017 law that are set to expire next year. | Credit: EMPIRE STATE VOICES
The Republican Tax Scam was sold to the American people as an effort to reduce the burden on lower- and middle-class families. Despite these promises, the vast majority of the law’s benefits have gone to millionaires, billionaires, and corporations, leaving those most in need of relief to fend for themselves. While many of these provisions prioritizing the rich are set to expire in 2025, Republicans in Congress have already begun working to make them permanent.
At a time when four in five Americans support raising taxes on the rich and big corporations, Republicans continue to push for massive giveaways to the ultra-wealthy. Empire State Voices and Economic Security Project Action are launching a statewide campaign to raise awareness around the harm done by the Republican Tax Scam and encourage New Yorkers to contact their representatives and make their voices heard.
At a time when four in five Americans support raising taxes on the rich and big corporations, Republicans continue to push for massive giveaways to the ultra-wealthy. | Credit: EMPIRE STATE VOICES
“During his year and a half in office, Congressman D’Esposito has built a record of consistently siding with the interests of corporations and the ultra-wealthy over families and working people,” said Maria Martinez, Executive Director of Empire State Voices.“Whether it’s him voting to make it easier for millionaires to cheat on their taxes or trying to raise education, food, and housing costs for New York families, Rep. D’Esposito has made it abundantly clear whose side he’s on. As Republicans begin working to make their 2017 tax scam permanent, we’re making sure that New Yorkers know exactly what the law contains and who it really benefits."
“America’s tax code reflects who the economy works for and who it doesn't. Right now, thanks to the 2017 Trump Tax Cuts, our tax code benefits billionaires and corporations at the expense of middle- and working-class families. We can build a fairer tax code that creates opportunity, equity, and prosperity for all Americans instead of the few,” said Taylor Jo Isenberg, Executive Director of Economic Security Project Action. “We believe that the tax code is one of the most important tools for rebuilding the social contract: we can offset the soaring price of housing, bring down the exorbitant cost of childcare for families, and reign in staggering healthcare fees by raising taxes on billionaires and the biggest corporations. It is time for a new chapter in American taxation.”
The campaign is informed by new polling from Change Research, commissioned by Economic Security Project Action, which found 81% of NY-04 voters support raising taxes on corporations and billionaires to reduce the tax burden on middle-class families.
To learn more about the campaign, please reach out to press@empirestatevoices.org
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About Empire State Voices
Empire State Voices (ESV) is a multi-year campaign dedicated to amplifying the voices of everyday working New Yorkers. ESV is fighting for economic policies that make life more affordable for constituents and holding members of Congress across the state accountable when they fail to do the same.
About Economic Security Project Action
Economic Security Project Action mobilizes resources and people behind ideas that build economic power for all Americans. As an ideas advocacy organization, we legitimize our issues by supporting cutting-edge research and elevating champions, win concrete policy victories for the communities that need to see change now, and provoke the conventional wisdom to shift what’s considered possible. Our team of academics, organizers, practitioners, and culture makers disburse grants, run issue campaigns, develop creative interventions and research products to support the field, and coordinate events to encourage investment and action from others.
