Ladies and Gentlemen:

It's no secret that there is a major effort underway to accomplish deficit reduction on the backs of the middle class and working families.  What's at stake for Flight Attendants and their families are devastating cuts to Social Security and Medicare, which are vital components of Flight Attendant retirement security.  There are additional and potentially devastating consequences for us if Congress fails to act responsibly including the elimination of:

• Mortgage deductions
• 401(k) tax advantages
• Student loan deductions
• Extended unemployment benefits
• And many other vital programs

While the elections are over, it's just as important now that you make your voice heard and to tell Congress to keep their hands off Social Security and Medicare; and to protect us from unwarranted tax increases.  This means that in the coming days we must insist that all of our elected representatives hold the line in demanding that deficit reduction be done in a way that is fair -- and not on the backs of the middle class, the elderly, the sick, children and the poor.

Lend your voice and support to those in Washington who are fighting hard to protect our interests and let those members of Congress know to eliminate the Bush tax cuts favoring the top 2 percent of the wealthiest in our country.  End the absurd tax policy that allows about one-quarter of large, profitable corporations to pay nothing in federal income taxes. 

Call your member of Congress and hold them accountable and ensure that they do deficit reduction in a way that is fair, while also protecting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.  Tell your representative in Congress that you support President Obama's proposal for deficit-reduction, which does not include tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans, but does protect us from tax increases.  And tell them to keep their hands-off Social Security and Medicare.

Analysts estimate that if Congress fails to act responsibly, the average middle-class American family will pay $2,200 more in taxes next year if an agreement is not reached that protects middle class workers; including a rise in payroll taxes.  A suspension of this tax was enacted in 2010 and is set to expire at the end of the year.  This payroll tax suspension cuts employee taxes by two percent for households that make less than $110,000 a year.

Let your voice be heard.  It's time for Congress to act responsibly.

In Solidarity,

Greg Davidowitch, President
United Master Executive Council