WIVT/WBGH News Channel 34
11/21/2011
Citizen Action joined the Occupy Binghamton protest Monday morning.
The group is concerned about the potential for significant cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. A bi-partisan Congressional super committee has been working to cut more than a trillion dollars from the federal budget deficit. Recommendations are expected to be released on Wednesday. If cuts aren’t agreed upon and approved by Congress next month, across the board cuts could be made to defense and spending for social programs. Citizen Action says cuts to necessary programs should not be made.
Mary Clark says, “We’re saying no to the super committee to cut any of the vital programs. They need to look at raising revenues on the one percent rather than attacking programs that the 99 percent of us depend on.”
Occupy Binghamton appears as though it’s here to stay, at least for the near future. Falling temperatures may have trimmed the number of protesters somewhat. But, there are still about 10 to 15 people who camp out every night according to Matthew Andros. He has been at the corner of State and Court Streets since day 1.
Matthew Andros says, “As the weather turns colder, we’re trying to weather proof our tents. We do have a heater set up in the food tent for people later at night. We have to pull a guard shift every night because people try stealing from us.”
This is day 38 of Occupy Binghamton. Andros says his main message is that the influence of corporate greed needs to be removed from Congress and the government.
