Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX) is leading an initiative to encourage lawmakers to take action and resolve the ongoing impasse in the Congress regarding the government budget and debt ceiling that could harm the slowly recovering economy of the United States as well as the global economy.
Howard Schultz, chief executive officer of Starbucks Corporation launched the petition urging consumers to sign it and send a message to the elected leaders in Washington to work together to do the following:
- re-open the government to serve the people
- pay government debts on time to avoid another financial crisis
- pass a bipartisan, and comprehensive long-term budget deal by the end of the year
In a letter published on Starbucks Corporation’s website, Schultz wrote, “What has become clear to me over these past few days- aside from the continued dysfunction we see from our elected leaders-is the sad and striking realization that the American people have no platform with which to voice their frustration with Washington and the current stalemate that threatens our nation.”
According to him, the fact that the website of the “We People” initiative was shut down due to lack of funding is clearly demonstrate the “irresponsible and untenable situation” created by the political leadership across the United States.
Over the next three days, starting this Friday, Starbucks stores nationwide will serve as venues for its millions of customers and thousands of employees to voice out their concerns regarding the on-going issue in Washington by signing the petition.
Starbuck Corporation is also promoting the three-day petition signing via newspapers including USA Today, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post. The company is encouraging customers to cut out the ad, sign and submit it at Starbucks stores this weekend.
Consumers can also download a printable petition to gather signatures or sign the petition digitally by submitting their names at www.cometogetherpetition.com or by clicking “like” on the posted petition at Facebook (NASDAQ:FB).
Starbucks Corporation will deliver the signatures to Washington before October 17, the deadline for raising the government debt ceiling. The company will also share the petition to business leaders.
