FW: For Immediate Release: Claiming Our Future launches campaign to tax wealth

 

For Immediate Release:  13 Nov 2011

 

Claiming Our Future launches campaign to tax wealth

 

The wealthy can afford to pay more

 

Claiming Our Future (COF) has launched a nationwide petition calling on the government to enact tax measures for wealthy and high income groups to generate needed revenue to protect services and to invest in jobs.   

 

Siobhan O'Donoghue of COF says, "There are real alternatives and choices to be made in addressing the budget deficit and jobs crisis.  The current 'austerity only' approach isn't working.  It's decimating our hospitals, our schools and other essential services.  The heaviest share of the burden has been on people on lower and middle incomes.  They are on their knees and can't afford to do more.  Mooted VAT increases and a flat house tax will pass burden disproportionately onto those who can least afford it.  This will further deflate the economy and push more people onto the dole or onto planes out of Ireland.  This 'austerity only' approach is not only unjust, it's not working."

 

Rory Hearne of COF says, "Many think that since the economic crisis began that Ireland is no longer a wealthy country.  That's not true. Ireland still has the 2^nd highest proportion of millionaire households in the EU.  The 300 richest people in Ireland are reported to be worth close to 50 billion.   Why does our government continue to protect them?  In the run up to the budget, we are asking people to demand that politicians start going about solving the crisis in a better and fairer way."

 

Ms O' Donoghue concludes, "The wealthy haven't been called upon to do enough for the common good of the country.  They can afford to pay more to keep hospitals and schools open and to fund job stimulus.  Most wouldn't mind being asked to pay more in taxes especially when so many of their fellow Irish citizens are suffering.  Getting the country back on its feet is in everyone's interest."

 

The petition which can be found at www.claimingourfuture.ie states:

 

Claiming Our Future: Budget Petition 2012   Dear TDs and Senators,   We, the undersigned, believe that there are real choices about who will pay in the current proposals for addressing the fiscal deficit in Budget 2012. Cutting public expenditure and increasing taxes on lower and middle income earners is a choice that will hit those least able to cope with the crisis and will hamper our chances of recovery.   There are other choices that will be less socially and economically damaging. We believe that taxing wealth, of which there is still huge amount in Ireland, is the right option. We need the solidarity of people who hold wealth at this time.  Across the world there are moves to ensure that those with the most take their fair share of the burden.    We call on TDs and Senators to vote for Budget 2012 ONLY if it includes increasing taxation on wealth. Such solidarity through taxation could include:   1.   A levy on assets and property worth over €1 million. 2.   High net worth Irish citizens paying their dues here so that the number of tax exiles decreases. 3.   Eliminating tax breaks for those with high incomes so that they pay their fair share. 4.   A levy on financial transactions (Tobin Tax). 5.   A higher tax rate on incomes over €100k.

 

 

Claiming Our Future (COF) is a progressive movement of people committed a more equal, inclusive and sustainable Ireland.  More information can be found at www.claimingourfuture.ie.

 

##Ends.

 

 

Link to Online Petition

 

Link to Information leaflet:  Fair Dues

 

 

Contacts:  

 

Siobhan O'Donoghue, 087 677 7463

 

Rory Hearne,  086 152 3542

 

Bill Abom, 083 002 9859

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