A press conference and New York City Council committee hearing were held on Thursday June 9,2005 at City Hall, encouraging the City Council to approve a resolution to support the Federal legislation to create a Peace Tax Fund providing a means for conscientious objectors to war to have their taxes spent only on non-military purposes.
The press conference was held on City Hall's front steps.
Corona Machemer and Helen Garay Toppins were among the press conference attendees and banner holders.
Inside the hearing room
Charts showing the percent of our Federal budget that goes to the military documented that this concern is a valid matter of conscience.
City councillors from the Committee on State and Federal Legislation spoke supportively. Many people felt that the issue went beyond religious and moral objections to war, and that the legislation would help focus attention on pressing social needs.