It may be the day before Thanksgiving, but Virginia Organizing isn’t on vacation just yet. Organization members and about 30 residents took to the streets to rally to end the "Bush tax cuts," set to expire on December 31, and extend unemployment benefits by a November 30 deadline.
Created in 2001 and 2003, the Bush tax cuts apply to couples and individuals with annual incomes greater than $250,000 and $200,000, respectively.
City Councilor Kristin Szakos took the stage and told the crowd that if the tax cuts are extended, “Charlottesville has a lot to lose.” Conversely, if unemployed Americans have some insurance, Charlottesville stands to gain. “We can’t afford to leave the unemployed out in the cold,” she said.
Janet Lewis said she has been unemployed and has worked until she became disabled. She has relied on unemployment benefits and is now thankful for the opportunity to get back on her feet.
"That’s how [the system] is supposed to work," she said. "The unemployed have helped build America and they need to be supported" in a time of need, Lewis told C-VILLE.
The crowd at the Free Speech Monument on the Downtown Mall.
Residents calling Congress.
Signing petitions to end the Bush tax cuts and extend the unemployment benefits.
A turkey-shaped petition, in the spirit of Thanksigiving.
