Financial relief blocked

Under Republican President Bush, we were introduced to “the Great Recession,” which we are still trying to dig ourselves out of, and national/international businesses made or saved billions of dollars by laying off millions of workers. The Senate Democrats try to pass reforms but cannot get the necessary 60 votes to get anything passed because Senate Republicans, backed by big business, continue to demand tax breaks and watered-down financial reform.

Thanks to Republicans, the Democrats cannot get financial relief to the working class in terms of extensions of unemployment compensation and to states to help state employees from being laid off.

With the housing market still fragile and workers completely out of money, how are landlords supposed to keep their rentals occupied? How are other local, independent mom-and-pop stores supposed to survive?

If corporate America refuses to invest in workers, then they do not need any tax incentives. They do not need any help in financial reform.

Mom-and-pop stores and family farmers across America hire a large percentage of workers. They need tax relief. Not the rich and influential. Not corporate America.

Lawrence Schuchart

Spokane