Central Ohio Labor Groups Criticize Congressman Mike Carey for Billionaire Tax Cut and Spending Bill Vote
Several central Ohio labor groups joined together Thursday to criticize U.S. Rep. Mike Carey, of Columbus, for his vote in favor of the massive tax cut and spending law signed by President Donald Trump last week.
Carey was one of the 218 Republicans in the House and 50 in the U.S. Senate to vote in favor of Trump's bill, while all Democrats and very few Republicans opposed it. The bill will maintain Trump's 2017 tax cuts while cutting Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
The labor groups for construction workers, nurses, and public school and local government employees say the budget law will only benefit the rich while hurting working families and potentially closing rural hospitals. Labor group members held a press conference on the Scioto Mile in downtown Columbus near the Labor and Workers Memorial.
Dorsey Hager, executive secretary/treasurer of the Columbus and Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, said Carey voted to kill 1.75 million construction jobs across the country, including positions in central Ohio. "This is the largest redistribution of wealth in the history of our country. That's the real story behind this vote. Working people are being asked to pay the price again, while the wealthiest get more," Hager said.