For Immediate Release
December 07, 2012
Contact Information

GDK Associates PR
Gabrielle King
770-389-1437
or
NBCSL National Office
LaKimba DeSadier
202-624-5457

(BPRW) The National Black Caucus of State Legislators Goes to the White House, Releases Official Statement on the Fiscal Cliff

- Black state legislators from across the country lend official support behind President Barack Obama's plan to avoid the fiscal cliff and aid middle class families -

(BLACK PR WIRE)--WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) joined President Barack Obama at a private White House meeting on Tuesday to discuss the fiscal cliff and other policy issues. Former NBCSL member, President Barack Obama urged legislators to join him in asking Congress towards a fair, equitable deal for the middle class. Representing over 600 legislators from 45 states, NBCSL agreed to support President Obama's plan and committed to rallying constituents across the nation as well.

"We will join you in calling upon Congress to raise revenue by asking those who can afford it to pay a little more in taxes, and to cut spending in a way that is smart and sustainable in the short and long term," said President Barbara W. Ballard (KS). "Preventing cuts to programs that are helping people is the only way to continue the progress we've all made on the path to economic recovery."

NBCSL also shared its legislative priorities to improve the quality of life for all Americans. The successful implementation of many of these priorities is contingent upon the results of current federal government negotiations on the fiscal cliff. Priorities include affordable housing and homeownership, small business expansion, affordable health care, rebuilding infrastructure, education, and job creation.

The National Black Caucus of State Legislators releases the following statement on the pending fiscal cliff:

"We support President Obama in taking a balanced and measured approach to the fiscal cliff. NBCSL supports tax increases on the wealthiest 2% of Americans and opposes increases on the 98% of Americans who are already struggling to get by. NBCSL also supports the President's improvements to the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), an effective anti-poverty tool. We applaud the President's plan to support small businesses through job-creation incentives.

Policies and programs that the middle class and working poor rely on will be gravely affected if a compromise is not reached soon. We ask our constituents to contact their Congressional representatives and join us in sending a message to our federal leaders. We all need to pay our fair share and have a fair shot at the American Dream. President Barack Obama's plan is aimed to give all Americans just that."

About the National Black Caucus of State Legislators

The National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) is a membership association representing over 650 African-American state legislators from 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NBCSL members represent upwards of 50 million Americans of all racial backgrounds. NBCSL tracks legislation at all levels of government and actively monitors state and federal policy initiatives to provide its members with important information. Each year, NBCSL members pass policy resolutions that directly impact federal and state policy. The organization focuses on U.S. domestic policy and is committed to policies that positively affect all Americans. Learn more at www.nbcsl.org.

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