BEACON – Despite the lower than expected turnout, Hudson Valley residents braved the chilly weather on Sunday standing outside the Beacon Post Office to protest against the tax reform legislation that was passed in Congress at the end of last year.
Fewer than 20 showed, but they had a lot to say
Organizer Vicki Fox saw 17 people sign up when she agreed to be the organizer of the Beacon rally, one of more than 100 across the country. Ultimately, nine locals held up signs against the tax bill and encouraged passersby to register to vote. Voter registration forms were provided by Charlie Kelly, the Beacon Democratic Committee chairman.
Each participant in the rally had strong views on the bill and the impact it could have on the country.
“The wealthier are getting wealthier, the middle class are struggling, the poor are getting poorer,” said Stormville resident Nancy Hartley, who attended with her husband, John. “It’s terrible.”
Michael Kolb of Newburgh also attended.
“I feel as though [the tax reform bill] doesn’t represent the vast majority of people,” Kolb said. “This economy continues to improve, and quite often tax cuts are passed to give a boost to the economy. I don’t think it was necessary to give a tax cut primarily to rich people and corporations.”
Steven Woods, a Putnam County resident who attended with his girlfriend Denise, discussed his concerns with the tax cuts geared towards corporations.
“I’m not sure if the companies who got the tax cut gave anything back to their employees,” Woods said. “I think the average worker should get medical insurance because the corporations will keep buying back their stocks.”
Woods’ girlfriend expressed a need to see President Trump’s tax returns, an issue that came into light during the 2016 election.
“I think this is something that has been avoided since the last tax march, so hopefully with enough voices we can pass something where that’s a law,” she said.
Over 100 rallies are being held this week to commemorate the anniversary of the march held last year to protest President Trump’s refusal to release his tax returns and his general economic policies. Protestors this year are specifically advocating for closing loopholes for wealthier Americans and big businesses as well as investing in working families, according to the Tax March’s official website.
