Humboldt Residents Join Class Action Lawsuit with Taxpayers from Nine Counties
Residents from ten counties in California, including Humboldt, have banded together to file a class action lawsuit against their congressional representatives, aiming to gain control over how their tax dollars are used by the federal government. The group, known as Taxpayers Against Genocide (TAG), is taking legal action against Congressmen Mike Thompson and Jared Huffman for allegedly misusing taxpayer funds to support Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip.
The lawsuit, filed by the Szeto-Wong Law firm out of the Bay Area, claims that the representatives overstepped their authority by allocating billions of taxpayer dollars in military aid to Israel in April of 2024. According to organizers, a press conference and rally are planned outside the federal building in San Francisco, where the lawsuit was filed.
Robie Tenorio, a member of the Humboldt Committee for Peace and Justice, emphasized the importance of holding the lawmakers accountable for their actions. She explained that as federal taxpayers, they are inadvertently funding what they believe to be a genocide and want their congresspeople to cease their involvement in supporting these actions. Tenorio highlighted the need to redirect funds to issues at home, such as housing, healthcare, and education.
Another participant in the lawsuit, Ellen P., expressed frustration with the lack of response from Congressman Huffman, despite attempts by activist groups to engage in meaningful dialogue. Despite efforts to discuss the situation with Huffman, residents felt that their concerns were not being adequately addressed.
Amnesty International has also weighed in on the issue, condemning the use of taxpayer funds to support what they describe as a campaign of genocide by Israel. The Secretary General of Amnesty International, Agnès Callamard, has called on all states with influence over Israel to intervene and put an end to the atrocities taking place in Gaza.
The residents involved in the lawsuit hope to bring attention to the issue and push for accountability from their representatives. They believe that it is essential to ensure that taxpayer funds are used responsibly and ethically, both at home and abroad.
