UC-AFT Resolution in Opposition to the GOP Tax Bill and in Support of November 29 Day of Action

The University Council- American Federation of Teachers stands in solidarity with graduate students, faculty and allies in higher education who will participate in a nationwide day of action on November 29, 2017 in opposition to the GOP tax bill.

Whereas the plan slashes taxes for corporations and the wealthy, while increasing taxes on middle and low income Americans, with working families earning less than $30,000 bearing the steepest increase in taxes;

And whereas the House version of the bill would tax tuition waivers and thereby impose drastically higher taxes on graduate students and their programs, with estimated increases at UC of 196% for in-state tuition and 374% for out-of-state tuition;

And whereas the House version of the bill would tax tuition waivers for university employees and dependents, further harming middle and low income families;

And whereas the proposed elimination of state and local tax deductions will not only harm thousands of middle class families, but will likely force painful cuts to education, health care, and critical infrastructure projects in California;

And whereas the Congressional Budget Office estimates that the GOP tax bill will add $1.4 trillion dollars to the deficit over the next ten years, compounding the long-term strain of the deficit on the economy;

And whereas the GOP tax bill relies on an economic growth projection that is unrealistic and widely believed to be unachievable;

And whereas the GOP tax bill is a massive consolidation of wealth by and for the richest Americans at the expense of working families, and potentially at the peril of our social safety net in Social Security and Medicare;

And whereas the GOP tax bill will increase health premiums by 10% per year by eliminating provisions of the Affordable Care Act;

Be it resolved that UC-AFT will stand in solidarity with actions in opposition to the tax plan on November 29 and beyond;

And further, that UC-AFT will continue to educate and organize our members in the political sphere around issues that affect funding, access and quality to public services, including education;

And further, that UC-AFT will urge UC to use all their lobbying strength to defeat the bill, and should the bill pass, commit to cover the additional cost for all students and families.

It's not too late to do something about this tax bill that WILL cause enduring harm. Please call California Congress swing votes in the next couple of days--numbers below. Tell them they won't keep their jobs in blue districts if they vote for a bill that eliminates mortgage deductions in the nation's most expensive housing market. Leave mssg even if not from CA.

1. Tom McClintock (202) 225-2511, Roseville 916-786-5560. Voted against tax bill last round- thank and keep opposed
2. Jeff Denham (202) 225-4540, Modesto (209) 579-5458. In a blue district, needs to vote no on tax bill to stay in office
3. David Valadao (202) 225-4695, Bakersfield (661) 864-7736, In a blue district, needs to vote no on tax bill to stay in office
4. Steve Knight (202) 225-1956, Simi Valley (805) 581-7130, In a blue district, needs to vote no on tax bill to stay in office
5. Ed Royce 202) 225-4111, LA County 626) 964-5123, In a blue district, needs to vote no on tax bill to stay in office
6. Mimi Walters (202) 225-5611, Irvine (949) 263-8703. In a blue district, needs to vote no on tax bill to stay in office
7. Dana Rohrabacher (202) 225-2415, Huntington Beach (714) 960-6483. Voted against tax bill last round- thank and keep opposed
8. Darrell Issa 202.225.3906, Vista 760.599.5000. Voted against tax bill last round- thank and keep opposed

Please add your name to this petition circulated by the March for Science and endorsed by a raft of academic organizations.

UC-AFT members are encouraged to take action by writing your representatives and urging them to vote no on the tax bill. You’re also encouraged to join in a virtual march, posting on social media why the tax cuts are bad for your students, your families, and your communities. Use the hashtags #TrumpTaxScam and #NotOnePenny and make sure to tag @ucaft and @CFTunion in your posts. It is vital that we stop these dangerous tax cuts and your efforts will make a difference!