Angry Seniors Target SchwarzeneggerPaul Hogarthbyline‚ Oct. 23‚ 2008Arnold never looks good when he acts like a bully—picking on people less powerful than him. When he famously pledged to “kick nurses’ butts” in 2005, it was a PR disaster for the Terminator. Now, right after the worst budget stalemate in state history, Governor Schwarzenegger slashed over $500 million in programs affecting seniors and people with disabilities. One of these programs was a $347-a-year tax credit for low-income senior tenants—giving this group an effective tax increase from a Governor who refuses to raise taxes on millionaires and corporations. With a special budget session scheduled to reopen in Sacramento, a crowd of seniors gathered in San Francisco yesterday to demand re-instatement of these programs—with powerful stories from those who rely on them. Although activists are preoccupied with the upcoming election, yesterday’s rally was a good start to a planned statewide campaign. |