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A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Tyler Prell, 202-730-7278

It's Time for Corporations and the Rich to Pay Their Fair Share to Revive America

Americans need investment in quality care and good jobs in the robust healthcare sector

WASHINGTON

Mary Kay Henry, President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), issued the following statement after President Obama released his deficit reduction proposal:

"There is no question that sacrifices must be made to address our nation's fiscal problems. Yet, there is no comparison between the sacrifice America's seniors, unemployed, low-income and working families have been forced to endure and the prosperity of the super rich and corporations that have stockpiled record profits and enjoy shameful tax breaks.

"President Obama was right to propose the millionaire's tax and an end to the Bush tax cuts as an important step in ending tax giveaways and closing corporate loopholes for those who haven't done their part to turn our country around. Companies like Verizon, that reaped $24 billion in profits over two years, didn't pay a dime in taxes and cut 20 percent of its workforce. Everyone must pay their fair share and Congress must make sure that shared sacrifice in any deficit reduction package is real this time.

"The healthcare sector is one of America's most robust jobs engines. With jobs that cannot be shipped overseas, and opportunities for tremendous innovation, President Obama and Congress should act to protect every healthcare dollar to help strengthen our economy and to ensure quality care for those who need it. Now more than ever, Americans will feel every cut to Medicaid and Medicare during the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression."

With 2 million members in Canada, the United States and Puerto Rico, SEIU is the fastest-growing union in the Americas. Focused on uniting workers in healthcare, public services and property services, SEIU members are winning better wages, healthcare and more secure jobs for our communities, while uniting their strength with their counterparts around the world to help ensure that workers--not just corporations and CEOs--benefit from today's global economy.