Media & Resources

Today, President Obama challenged Congressional leadership to make the ‘responsible’ decision in tackling the deficit by having millionaires and billionaires and corporations pay their fair share. The President noted his continued commitment to cutting taxes for middle-class families but pointed out that sacrifices must be made if we are going to continue important investments in our future. “IF WE CHOOSE TO KEEP THOSE TAX BREAKS FOR MILLIONAIRES AND BILLIONAIRES, CHOOSE TO KEEP A TAX BREAK FOR CORPORATE JET OWNERS, OIL AND GAS COMPANIES MAKING BILLIONS OF DOLLARS, THEN THAT MEANS WE HAVE TO CUT SOME KIDS OFF FROM GETTING A COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP,” the President said.

The President took direct aim at those in Congress who have refused time and time again to even consider raising taxes on the top 2 percent of earners and to close tax loopholes on corporations, by articulating who will have to bear the burden instead, “BEFORE WE CUT OUR CHILDREN’S EDUCATION, BEFORE WE SACRIFICE OUR COMMITMENTS TO THE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION THAT WILL CREATE MORE JOBS IN THE ECONOMY, IT IS ONLY FAIR TO ASK AN OIL COMPANY OR A CORPORATE JET OWNER THAT HAS DONE SO WELL, TO GIVE UP THAT TAX BREAK THAT NO ONE ELSE ENJOYS.”

CDF joins with the President, and asks millionaires to pay their fare share so that a child can continue to get a Head Start in life. We join with the President and ask corporations to pay taxes to the country that fills their coffers so that a disabled child on Medicaid can continue to receive quality care. We join with the President in asking CEOS with corporate jets to give up their tax break so that a child and a mother can receive prenatal care and a family can receive food assistance.

Congressional members that have sworn allegiance to Grover Norquist and his anti-tax pledge must reconsider their own oath of office, and instead pledge allegiance to protecting our greatest national treasure—our children.

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