‘We Can’t Wait’: Thousands in DC Demand Bold Action on Climate, Immigration, and Jobs

"All of us have got to stand together and tell the billionaire class that our time is now," said Sanders. "We won't wait!"

"Our members have no patience for inaction," said immigrant rights group Make the Road New York, outlining demands for citizenship for undocumented immigrants—millions of whom have been essential workers during the pandemic. The group also called for climate action, well-paying union jobs, and investment in a dignified care economy.

"This is the way to build back better," the group said.

The rally came as more than two dozen states cut or planned to cut enhanced unemployment benefits, which were put in place during the coronavirus pandemic and credited with helping to keep millions of Americans out of poverty.

The report quoted Sharon Shelton Corpening, a Georgia-based gig worker whose unemployment benefits are set to run out next week and who spoke at the rally. 

"Next week, my financial lifeline will be yanked from under me because states like Georgia have too much power to reduce, restrict, or flat out deny benefits that are literally keeping us alive," said Corpening. "Unemployed people—especially Black people in the South who face systemic racism even as jobs return—want and need to work. But this current unstable unemployment insurance system hasn't helped us get on our feet if we can't even count on UI benefits. We need federal protections and we need them now."

Progressive leaders at the rally also called on Democrats to pass popular policies including Medicare for All without waiting for Republicans leaders to agree to the legislation or listening to claims that the federal government can't afford to expand the 56-year-old program to all Americans.

"How does Congress find the money for these bold reforms? It’s a tired question," said Make the Road New York. "The answer has always been: tax the rich!"