It's called the Inclusive Prosperity Act. Supporters call it the Robin Hood tax. If passed, it would tax Wall Street. It's what nurses, retired workers and community activists here say is needed for economic recovery.
“The Robin Hood tax is basically where corporations that do trades get taxed and it's a .05 % tax on every $100 of all stock trades. That money would go back into the community to help with education, housing, homelessness, so many things that we need help within the community,” said Christina Swift, a labor representative with California Nurses Association.
About a dozen people wearing Robin Hood hats held up signs in front of Rep. Jim Costa's office in Fresno, to get their voices heard. They joined nurses who held similar events in at least ten other states. On top of passing the Robin Hood tax, they're also urging lawmakers to avoid cuts to programs such as social security, Medicaid, education and child care. They say doing so would only harm struggling families who've suffered most from the economic crisis.
“They need to give back. They need to give back to the communities. They're suffering like Fresno is where we have a very high unemployment rate. It would help to get jobs,” said Swift.
National Nurses United organized the demonstrations.
To avoid the slew of tax hikes and spending cuts from taking effect on January 1st, leaders in Washington need to pass their agreement by Friday, December 21st, if they want to be home for Christmas.
TXT 24
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