Protest targeting GOP tax bill at NYSE leads to 15 arrests

APD NEWS

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Fifteen people chanting “kill the bill!” were arrested in front of the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday protesting the Trump administration’s proposed tax overhaul.

“This bill is nothing more than a scam on the American people,” said Public Advocate Letitia James, who was among about 200 people who joined the rally. “It’s the greatest theft in a very long time. All of us will suffer.”

The protesters are angry the bill would lower corporate tax rates to 21% from 35% and repeal the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate.

Barbara Bowen, president of the Professional Staff Congress, said those against the tax plan are “fighting a war.”

“This isn’t a tax plan,” she said to cheers. “This is a war. A war on working people, sick people, young people, people of color, New York City, New York State, the environment and everyone except the people who make money right behind us.”

Shortly after her speech, about 30 protesters lay down in front of the Stock Exchange, holding signs cut out like tombstones reading “RIP Died to Help the Rich Get Richer” and “RIP Lost Medicaid No $ For Care.”

Then, 15 protesters, including Bowen, sat down in an attempt to block the entrance to the exchange. Minutes later they were arrested and moved by cops to a waiting police van down the block.

“This is a major attack on the working people,” said Joel Shufro, 74, as he was led away by police in plastic cuffs. “This will result in the deaths of tens of thousands, if not millions.”

(NYDAILY)