Letter: Lee, GOP perpetuate inequality crisis

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Now that Sen. Mike Lee harmed millions of hardworking people by supporting the government shutdown that cost our economy $24 billion, and now that the Republican/tea party ratings are at record lows, Lee is desperately attempting political face-saving by talking about solving our "crisis of opportunity."

Conveniently, the senator ignores his support of the Republican agenda that perpetuates this crisis by denying opportunities for the majority while rewarding the corporate/wealthy elite.

Examples: Republicans refuse to increase the minimum wage which would help lift millions out of poverty. Republicans are against equal pay for equal work for women. Republicans blocked the American Jobs Act, which would have created 2 million jobs rebuilding our infrastructure.

And, just to score political points, 24 Republican-controlled states, Utah included, are blocking Medicaid expansion even though it would be funded by the federal government, help thousands in dire need and add billions to state economies.

Further, the Republicans want to cut Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and other vital programs. Meanwhile, the GOP continues to support corporate welfare by refusing to close tax loopholes, providing billions in subsidies to wealthy corporations and refusing to raise taxes on the wealthy elite.

Andrew Kramer

Ivins