Over 50 people participated in a “Workers Over Billionaires” protest in Warsaw on Monday, Sept. 1.

Text and Photos
By Liz Adkins
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Over 50 people participated in a “Workers Over Billionaires” protest in Warsaw on Monday, Sept. 1.

Protesters lined the entire sidewalk on the east side of Warsaw Community Public Library, with additional participants moving to the sidewalk on the west side of CVS Pharmacy.

The Warsaw protest was hosted by the Kosciusko County Democrats, focusing on “the negative impact of lack of affordable housing, combined with skyrocketing utility, insurance, grocery and property tax bills,” according to a press release from the organization.

Many demonstrators held signs, which varied in statements about high bills the working class faces to actions taken by President Donald Trump. Multiple vehicles driving by honked in support of the protest, with a couple people shaping their hands into hearts.

Over 1,000 “Workers Over Billionaires” protests took place throughout the United States on Labor Day.

“Our economy is skewed toward billionaires,” said Jeff Hunn, an attendee at the Warsaw protest. “The billionaires are clearly just getting richer and richer. And people are suffering.”

Hunn said he’s noticed the effect of Hoosier families struggling, as he’s a volunteer at a food bank in North Manchester.

“People are struggling to survive, and I just don’t think our policies are doing it,” said Hunn.

Brian Smith holds a sign regarding Congressman Rudy Yakym and EV tax credits.

Brian Smith, the Democratic chair of Indiana’s Second Congressional District, said the United States’ working class is “not getting ahead” because of these impacts.

“Slate Auto originally wanted to sell (vehicles) at the $20,000 price point,” said Smith. “But because of tariffs and repealing the EV mandate, since that doesn’t help them compete either, now they’re going to have to sell at around $25,000. That’s going to hurt them to get off the ground and to really compete in the automotive market. We shouldn’t be making it harder.”

With Congressman Rudy Yakym’s attendance at Slate Auto’s sneak peek event on Aug. 28, Smith said he didn’t understand how Yakym “talks to the employees and then goes and votes the way he does, knowing it hurts us, the constituents.”

“(Yakym is) out there asking for people’s support,” said Robert Osbun, Kosciusko County Democrats’ treasurer. “But he voted against the EV tax credits that Slate Auto is going to depend on. That’s a real thorny issue for us.”

“Workers built this country and we don’t need more billionaires,” said Teri Jaynes, another protester in attendance. “We need to support workers.”

“In place of help from our leaders, we get tax cuts for the wealthy, paid for by cuts to healthcare, social services and education,” read a statement from the Kosciusko County Democrats. “These protests are a clear sign that people are tired of being ignored by their leaders, and they’re ready for a change. Democrats represent that change and are ready to work for all Hoosiers.”