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April 12, 2023
Nationwide bus tour calls for Congress defend advantages for employees, veterans
ST. LOUIS — A “Again Off Our Advantages” nationwide bus tour is demanding congressional safety of hard-earned advantages for employees and veterans.
The cross-country tour stopped final week for a press convention at Kiener Plaza Park in downtown St. Louis on its means from California to Washington, D.C.
“Take note of our wants” was the best way disabled Illinois activist Keith Bell summed up the tour’s message to Congress.
A number of audio system instructed of their experiences and frustrations in coping with insufficient or threatened advantages comparable to Social Safety, Medicare, Medicaid and veterans applications.
They singled out two targets: Missouri Congressman Jason Smith (R-Salem) and U.S. Home Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Each are right-wing Republicans who’re advocating profit cuts and delaying the settlement of a congressional finances that might keep away from a authorities default.
“We’re calling on excessive members of the Republican Home majority, together with Rep. Smith, to signal a promise (that) they have to defend the important advantages People depend on — and cease taking part in political video games with the default disaster,” mentioned tour organizer and spokeswoman Laura Packard.
“Home Republicans, together with Consultant Smith, are risking a significant international financial disaster and main private crises for tens of millions of People throughout the nation who rely upon these advantages,” Packard mentioned. “We’re right here to ask Consultant Smith a last time to vow his constituents that he’ll again off our hard-earned advantages.”
Smith’s eighth Congressional District covers southern and southeastern Missouri.
The “Again Off Our Advantages” bus tour, organized by Braveness for America, deliberate to go to 12 different congressional districts alongside its path to Washington.
The tour started in McCarthy’s California district and can conclude on April 17 on the Washington Capitol to mark his a hundredth day as Home speaker.
“Braveness for America will maintain a press convention (on the capitol) and ship a petition to Speaker McCarthy, demanding he make this promise and cease taking part in political video games with the default disaster,” a press launch mentioned.
Braveness for America is comprised of “proud People talking out in opposition to an excessive MAGA agenda that places cash and energy over the rights and freedoms of the American individuals,” the discharge mentioned.
“The marketing campaign is amplifying the voices of People in communities throughout the nation — veterans, educators, religion leaders, and extra — to demand the Individuals’s Home works for the individuals.”
Different statements from audio system included:
- “Medicaid, Medicare, Social Safety and veterans advantages will not be simply applications — they’re the very embodiment of our nation’s dedication to caring for its individuals,” mentioned Military veteran Moises Montalvo.
“They characterize the values that I fought for and that we battle for as troopers, airmen, Marines, and sailors: Compassion, solidarity and a real concern for the well-being of different residents,” Montalvo mentioned.
- “Social Safety Incapacity Insurance coverage was — and continues to be right here — not just for myself, however for over 26,000 constituents” in Smith’s congressional district, mentioned Navy veteran Jessica Motsinger.
The variety of veterans in Smith’s district makes up 13 p.c of all Missouri veterans, “and but Consultant Smith is seeking to minimize their veterans advantages,” she mentioned. “We’re asking Consultant McCarthy and Consultant Smith to honor their oath.”
- “Why is anybody ever denied the essential human proper of high quality medical care?” requested Maria Chassels, who lives in Smith’s district.
“The scariest query of all: Why are sure members of Congress making an attempt to remove the advantages that we do have?” Chassels mentioned. “Now we have to guard — and increase — our advantages.”
- “It’s fairly tragic that our leaders proceed to place politics over individuals — displaying their disdain for the individuals who elected them,” mentioned East St. Louis activist Stephanie Taylor.
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