Action Now at the beginning of the march in Federal Plaza
On Tax Day, April 17th Action Now joined hundreds of people from labor and community organizations in a rally to to demand that the richest 1% pay their fair share in taxes like the rest of us! The rally began at Federal Plaza, with marches onto tax-dodging corporations (Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Bank of America, Verizon, Exelon and BMO Harris Bank), ending with a rally at the Board of Trade. They also delivered puppet versions of the corporate executives to a mock jail. We were also there to urge lawmakers to pass the Buffet Rule that requires millionaires to pay more taxes.
Action Now leader Charles Brown speaking at Bank of America
Action Now marched to Bank of America to deliver a tax bill demanding they pay the taxes that they owe to the American people, since they took our tax dollars to get bailed out. Under CEO Brian Moynihan’s leadership, Bank of America paid NOTHING in taxes the past three years, despite hauling in $5.5 BILLION in profits. Bank of America didn’t just dodge taxes, they received a $5 BILLION tax refund for the year 2009. Moynihan has been amply rewarded, receiving a $10 MILLION salary in compensation.
It is unfair and un-American for corporations and rich CEOs to pay nothing in taxes while working families continue to foot the bill. Public services and programs for families, children and the elderly are being cut just so that the rich can get more tax breaks and increase their profits. It’s time to take back our country for the American people!
Video:
Press coverage:
CBS News, “Activists Deliver ‘Tax Bills’ To Big Corporations On Tax Day”
Huffington Post, “Tax Day Doesn’t Belong to the Tea Party Anymore”
Chicago Tribune, “Protesters target CME, Duffy”
