To: Sen. Richard Blumenthal (CT-1) and Sen. Christopher Murphy (CT-2)

Tell Senators Lieberman and Blumenthal: Don't buckle on the Fiscal Showdown

Don't let Republican scare tactics hold the nation's interests hostage. We urge you to make sure any fiscal deal ends the Bush tax cuts for the top 2% AND protects Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid from any cuts. This is what we voted for in November, and we expect you, our elected officials, to support these priorities. Be willing to take no deal in the short term to get a better deal for the middle class.

Why is this important?

Over the past decade, many Americans have seen their income fall, have lost jobs and have fallen into poverty. Meanwhile, the wealth of the top 2% has skyrocketed, thanks, in large part, to huge tax cuts.

Republicans are trying to hold the middle class hostage during the fiscal negotiations in exchange for providing millionaires and billionaires with another tax break. Enough! It's time for the top 2% to pay their fair share so we can protect our social safety net. There is no "cliff" on December 31; the economy won't collapse overnight.

Senator Lieberman has stated that he is willing to consider cuts to essential services such as social security/medicare/medicaid during the negotiations; and Senator Blumenthal has yet to make a firm commitment. This is unacceptable.