Protesters Call On Rep. Murphy To Support Buffett Rule

More than 30 people protested outside of U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy's  Tuesday calling on him to support the Buffett Rule.

"We're speaking out on tax day because the middle class and working poor paid a higher tax rate than Mitt Romney, Wells Fargo and many other big corporations and rich people," said John Hemington of . "The poor and middle class have been paying their fair share for a long time. It's time for the 1 percent to pay their fair share, too."

The Buffett Rule is a tax plan proposed by President Barack Obama that would require a minimum tax of 30 percent to individuals making more than a million dollars a year. It's named for billionaire investor Warren Buffett, who has said it is unfair for him to pay a lower tax rate than his secretary.

However, Senate Republicans blocked the legislation on Monday, calling it a political stunt.

Protester Rosemary Prostko of Bethel Park, a former resident, admits the Buffett Rule wouldn't be a solution for the economy, but she said it would be a good start.

"When corporations and the wealthy don't pay federal taxes, the states lose money and the cuts come trickling down in devastating ways," she said. "If you want to see the real trickle down, take a look at the falling debris from Pennsylvania's 5,900 bridges that are in disrepair. That's the real trickle down we are seeing here in Pennsylvania."

Charlie Cook, a resident of Upper St. Clair for 22 years, said Tuesday's rally was the first he attended. He said he had been fairly neutral until he attended one of Murphy's town hall meetings in Peters Township about health care.

"I think he (Murphy) better start listening to all of his constituents and not some of them," he said.

Natalia Colonna of Castle Shannon, part of the Occupy Pittsburgh group, said she's a mother of two who lost her job at a restaurant last fall.

"I remember a big part of my check going to taxes. I was barely able to support myself with all of the taxes coming out. Maybe if corporations and the wealthy paid their fair share, working class people like us wouldn't get clobbered," she said.

The protesters got some people walking and driving by to clap or honk their horns in support.

They also received some backlash.

One driver shouted at the group to get a job.

Roslyn Phillips, 88, a Mt. Lebanon resident and former McKeesport resident, said she didn't understand the protest when she walked by.

"He (Murphy) does so much for McKeesport and the elderly," she said.

Murphy was not present at his Mt. Lebanon office on Tuesday. His chief of staff in Washington, DC responded to the protest.

"Congressman Murphy listens to the opinions and concerns voiced by his constituents, which is why he continues fighting for spending cuts and policies that spur local job creation, not higher taxes," stated Susan Mosychuk.

What is your take on the Buffett Rule? Do you support U.S. Rep. Murphy? Tell us in the comments.