Hundreds Rally in Raleigh for “Workers Over Billionaires” on Labor Day
RALEIGH, N.C. – Hundreds of people gathered at the North Carolina State Capitol on Labor Day to take part in the “Workers Over Billionaires” movement, joining more than 1,000 demonstrations nationwide aimed at highlighting labor rights and concerns about democracy.
A Message to the Trump Administration
Organizers said the demonstration was intended to send a direct message to the Trump administration, emphasizing the need to put workers’ rights ahead of corporate interests. The rally began with fiery speeches and later turned into a march around the Capitol, where passing cars honked in support as the crowd cheered.
Protesters held signs with slogans like “Eat the rich,” “We the people have had enough,” and “The power of the people is stronger than the people in power.”
“We’ve learned that we have the power. So we’re showing up today to show the power of labor and stand in solidarity with workers around the world,” said Emily Gaeta, one of the speakers at the rally.
Protesters Draw Parallels to Past Struggles
Many participants voiced frustration with national politics and concerns about the future of democracy.
Elise Green, who survived the Kent State massacre in 1970, said she was still protesting 55 years later, alongside her husband Jamie Green, a Vietnam veteran.
“It’s the same nonsense that’s going on then, is going on today. The government is just taking over and doing all the wrong stuff, not listening to the people,” Green said.
Mark Sherman, a veteran and history teacher, compared the moment to scenes from his classroom lessons.
“And I never thought when I was teaching history about the 60s and 70s, I never thought I would be reliving, seeing the protests and threats to our democracy,” he said.
Calls for Action
Sherman stressed the importance of moving beyond passive concern.
“I have to do something. I need to be involved. I need to get out. Just calling your Senators doesn’t seem to work. I think there is strength in numbers,” he said.
The demonstration was organized by 50501 North Carolina, labor unions, and civil rights activists.
Do you think large-scale demonstrations like Raleigh’s “Workers Over Billionaires” rally will influence future labor policies in North Carolina? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
, the budget includes significant reductions in funding for **Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act marketplace subsidies**, which provide coverage to low-income Americans, including many residents in the Carolinas. Additionally, the budget would **tighten eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)**, making it harder for many families to receive food support. Changes would also affect housing assistance, energy bill relief programs, and school lunch subsidies. Democrats say these changes aren’t just technical — they’re personal. > “This budget is not about fiscal responsibility. It’s about punishing the poor while protecting tax breaks for the rich,” said **Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC)** during a recent press conference. --- ### **“Big, Beautiful Betrayal” Becomes Rallying Cry** The phrase “big, beautiful betrayal” was coined by **Rep. Hakeem Jeffries**, the House Democratic leader, in response to what he calls Trump’s double standard. > “He promised to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Now he’s cutting them,” Jeffries told reporters, adding that the budget bill contradicts the economic populism Trump campaigned on. The proposal is currently facing stiff resistance in the **Democrat-led Senate**, though some moderate Republicans have voiced support for trimming entitlement spending. --- ### **Local Impact Across North Carolina** If enacted, the cuts could hit **North Carolina particularly hard**, where nearly **1 in 5 residents** relies on Medicaid and where food insecurity remains a serious concern, especially in rural and urban working-class communities. Local nonprofit leaders warn that the legislation could result in longer wait times for basic services, reduced food pantry availability, and more families losing access to care. > “Programs like SNAP and Medicaid are the only reason some of our families make it through the month,” said **Tina Alston**, director of a Charlotte-based community aid group. “This budget would reverse decades of safety net progress.” --- ### **Budget Still Faces Uphill Battle in Congress** While Republicans argue the budget is necessary to **reduce the federal deficit**, Democrats insist that slashing social programs is not the solution. As the bill advances through committee, lawmakers on both sides are bracing for a **contentious summer debate** ahead of the November midterm elections. > “We can have fiscal responsibility without cruelty,” said Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA). “This budget fails that test.” --- ### **Reader CTA** Are you worried about how Trump’s proposed budget might impact your family, your healthcare, or food benefits? Share your perspective in the comments — your story could help shape future coverage on **saludastandard-sentinel.com**. **Author: Elena Brooks** **Category: North Carolina News** --- Let me know if you'd like a NewsBreak-optimized excerpt or feature image suggestion.](https://saludastandard-sentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Democrats-Slam-Trumps-Budget-Bill-as-‘Betrayal-That-Targets-Healthcare-SNAP-Benefits-768x432.jpg)