Members of fair tax group urge Delaware leaders to take action on taxes

More than a dozen supporters with Americans for Democratic Action came together this afternoon in Wilmington to urge lawmakers to take action to reform taxes on corporations and the wealthy without making cuts to entitlement programs such as Medicaid, Medicare and social security.

The members representing Delaware, displayed handmade signs that read “Middle Class over Millionaires” and “No Cuts.”

The group doesn’t believe wealthy individuals and large corporations are paying their “fair share” of taxes, leaving the burden of rising health care costs and other federally funded programs to fall on the shoulders of middle class individuals and small businesses or risk being cut.

Sam Lathem, president of Delaware State AFL-CIO, supports the group and said programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security are not “entitlements” but rights that average American workers have earned.

“They don’t call it entitlements.  They call it food on the table.  They don’t call it entitlements.  They call it trying to get the best medical care they can in the country that has the best medical care system,” said Lathem talking about American workers.

Ezra Temko, a member of Americans for Democratic Action, said the group was able to have a discussion with Delaware’s leaders before the fiscal cliff deal at the end of 2012 and is pleased with the initial steps taken by lawmakers.

“Senator Carper voted against that deal partially because he feels we need more revenue,” said Temko. “Senator Coons and Congressman Carney did vote for it, which is a good first step toward wealthy Americans paying their fair share and also avoiding the sequestration going into effect, but we’re not really sure what’s going to be happening in the next few months going forward.”