WASHINGTON, Jan. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Bend the Arc: A Jewish Partnership for Justice, believes that the compromise worked out by President Obama, and Senate Republicans and Democrats, is an imperfect deal, yet nonetheless one worth supporting. This deal includes the first bipartisan agreement to raise taxes on the wealthiest Americans in 20 years and clearly establishes the principle that deficit reduction cannot and should not be achieved purely by cutting spending. Bend the Arc calls for those who benefit the most from the opportunities that America affords to give back a little more in order that we need not cut essential programs and services for those who need them most.

Over the last few months Bend the Arc brought together over 300 rabbis, from across the nation and across denominations, to sign a letter urging that tax rates be raised on income over $250,000. Joining the rabbis' voices were thousands of individuals from over 30 communities who came together to advocate for a more just tax system. Bend the Arc also stood with other faith leaders and members of Congress in a Capitol Hill event calling for this policy. 

"This deal is not perfect, but supporting it is the responsible thing to do. It will keep taxes from going up for 98% of Americans while only raising rates on income over $400,000 per individual or $450,000 per couple. As Jews and as Americans we believe in the responsibility of the individual to the community and of the community to the individual," said Alan van Capelle, CEO of Bend the Arc: A Jewish Partnership for Justice.

"As our elected officials move forward in grappling with the possible sequester, we urge them to keep our communal and national responsibilities at the forefront of their thinking and to refrain from undercutting the social safety net which plays such a crucial role in helping Americans living in poverty and those struggling to stay out of poverty."

SOURCE Bend the Arc: A Jewish Partnership for Justice