The Senate is voting this week on a tax bill that will cause enormous harm to most Americans. We don’t have a lot of time to stop this massive bill – Congressional leaders want it on President Trump’s desk as soon as possible.
​
This tax bill is fundamentally flawed beyond repair – in three big ways:

• It is regressive, giving giant tax cuts to large corporations and the wealthiest households while raising taxes on everyone else. By the time it is fully enacted, all households earning less than $75,000 will see a tax increase. Those with incomes between $20,000 and $30,000 will face a tax hike of 25 percent! At least 70% of American Muslims could see their taxes increase under this plan.
  
  
• It is irresponsible, growing deficits by at least $1.5 trillion over the next decade. This will put enormous pressure on Congress to cut essential programs,such as Medicare, Medicaid, housing assistance, college financial aid, and more. The plan could also immediately undermine tax breaks for state and local taxes, charitable donations, and interest payments on student loans.
  
  
• It threatens health coverage for millions. By repealing the individual mandate to have health insurance, Congressional leaders get hundreds of billions in savings to pay for corporate tax cuts. But as a result, 13 million people will become uninsured and millions of people will see significant premium increases.

Your voice can make a powerful difference in the outcome of this legislation. We have to stop this bill’s momentum. Only a strong outcry from constituents like you can achieve that.

Call Congress Today:
Click here to find your Senators and call their offices today. Or just call 1-888-885-1748.
Sample Calling Script:
Hi, my name is _______ and I'm a constituent of Senator ___________. I'm calling to express my opposition to the tax reform plan being voted on this week, H.R. 1. [Short personal anecdote about how your taxes would be negatively impacted, if applicable]. According to the Congressional Budget Office, this plan will raise taxes on many Americans to pay for tax breaks for corporations and the wealthy. This is unacceptable. Will Senator ___________ oppose this legislation?

Use Social Media:
Let your members of Congress and your social networks know what you think of this bill. Here are some sample tweets:

• Did you know? At least 70% of American Muslims could see their taxes increase under the #GOPTaxPlan being voted on this week #Faith4TaxJustice
  
• The #GOPTaxPlan goes against values of fairness, fiscal discipline, and our moral responsibility to care for the vulnerable #Faith4TaxJustice
  
• The #GOPTaxPlan would add $1.5+ trillion to the deficit, threatening funding for healthcare, food and nutrition, housing, education, and much more. #Faith4TaxJustice
  

Let us know how your calls went and feel free to ask us any questions by e-mailing us at info@poligonnational.org.
Stay active,
Afif, Nadia, Ayesha, and Wardah

We've got you covered. Our policy briefs and action alerts on Islamophobia, bullying, and civil rights are great to look over and bring along to a meeting. You can also stay up to date on legislation going through Congress with our Hill Happenings newsletter.

Here are some ideas for issues to address:

Muslim Bans: President Trump has continued to issue executive orders restricting visitors, immigrants, and refugees from many countries, especially those with large Muslim populations. As these discriminatory actions are challenged in the courts, you can encourage your elected officials to take a strong stand against policies that discriminate by religious or national background. If you have relatives in one of the targeted countries, tell your representative how these bans serve to keep you apart from them.

Bullying: Muslims students report being bullied at rates much higher than the overall American student population - sometimes as much as 50 to 70 percent. Students are not currently protected by law from being bullied on the basis of religion, and more can be done to ensure that students from all backgrounds can be educated in a safe environment. Check out our resources on bullying, including policy proposals that you can recommend to your members of Congress to address this issue.

Tax Reform: The House and Senate are currently working on a plan to overhaul the tax code. If you pay taxes, these reforms will affect you - especially if you have a house, student loans, children, or a small business. It’s important for elected officials to know how proposed changes would positively or negatively impact your wallet and your family.

H.Res 257: This bipartisan House resolution condemns hate crimes and other forms of violence and discrimination against minorities in the United States. It was introduced by Rep. Comstock (R-VA-10) and now has 57 cosponsors. The Senate version of the resolution (S.118), introduced by Sen. Harris (D-CA), passed unanimously. Let your member of Congress know how hate crimes affect you and your community, and encourage them to support and protect Muslims and other religious minorities through such resolutions.

Let us know at info@poligonnational.org how your visit goes, or make a post about your visit on social media. Be sure to tag @poligonnational on Twitter and Instagram!

Stay active,
Afif, Ayesha, Nadia, and Wardah