April 12, 2023
Nationwide bus tour calls for Congress defend advantages for staff, veterans
ST. LOUIS — A “Again Off Our Advantages” nationwide bus tour is demanding congressional safety of hard-earned advantages for staff and veterans.
The cross-country tour stopped final week for a press convention at Kiener Plaza Park in downtown St. Louis on its method from California to Washington, D.C.
“Take note of our wants” was the way in which disabled Illinois activist Keith Bell summed up the tour’s message to Congress.
A number of audio system informed of their experiences and frustrations in coping with insufficient or threatened advantages reminiscent of Social Safety, Medicare, Medicaid and veterans packages.
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 funds 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 Individuals depend on — and cease enjoying political video games with the default disaster,” mentioned tour organizer and spokeswoman Laura Packard.
“Home Republicans, together with Consultant Smith, are risking a serious international financial disaster and main private crises for thousands and thousands of Individuals throughout the nation who rely on these advantages,” Packard mentioned. “We’re right here to ask Consultant Smith a ultimate 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 one 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 enjoying political video games with the default disaster,” a press launch mentioned.
Braveness for America is comprised of “proud Individuals talking out in opposition to an excessive MAGA agenda that places cash and energy over the rights and freedoms of the American folks,” the discharge mentioned.
“The marketing campaign is amplifying the voices of Individuals in communities throughout the nation — veterans, educators, religion leaders, and extra — to demand the Individuals’s Home works for the folks.”
Different statements from audio system included:
- “Medicaid, Medicare, Social Safety and veterans advantages are usually not simply packages — they’re the very embodiment of our nation’s dedication to caring for its folks,” mentioned Military veteran Moises Montalvo.
“They signify the values that I fought for and that we struggle 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 % of all Missouri veterans, “and but Consultant Smith is seeking to reduce 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. “We’ve got to guard — and increase — our advantages.”
- “It’s fairly tragic that our leaders proceed to place politics over folks — exhibiting their disdain for the individuals who elected them,” mentioned East St. Louis activist Stephanie Taylor.