AFSCME: Public Employees to Rally at Capitol for Fair Budget and Taxes

AFSCME New York: Public Employees to Rally at Capitol for Fair Budget and Taxes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jillian Matundan (518) 869-2245, Korey Hartwich (301) 742-4646

The nation’s economic crisis has hit New York particularly hard, putting 10% of New Yorkers out of work and, with a budget gap estimated at $16 billion, endangering vital services that the public relies on. Governor David Paterson is proposing measures that will cause more problems for the people and the economy. Instead of sharing the sacrifice amongst the citizens of the state or finding better revenue solutions, he has proposed huge cuts to essential programs, increased fees and regressive consumption taxes, and Tuesday ordered the layoff of 8,900 state employees. His proposals would make the economy worse, and hurt New York State, the citizens who live here and the workers who deliver essential public services.

Dangerous cuts to healthcare, education and essential public services are not the way to go. Economists know that in times of recession, the worst thing that government can do is cut spending on critical state services. AFSCME New York represents 420,000 public services workers across the state, made up of members from CSEA Local 1000, DC 37, DC 1707, Council 35, Council 66, and Council 82. AFSCME believes – and economists agree - that rather than make harmful and dangerous cuts, New York’s wealthier citizens should do their fair share to help us get through these tough times. On Tuesday, March 31, 2,000 AFSCME members will rally in Albany to talk to legislators about a fair way to put the state’s economy back on track and to pay for the essential services that New York State delivers.

Who: confirmed guest speakers include
· State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli
· Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver
· Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith

What: An overflow crowd of 2,000 public and non-profit workers, members of AFSCME New York affiliates from across the state will rally in Albany to call for a fair state budget that puts New York’s economy back on track and protects vital public services.


When: Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Speakers: 11:00 to 12:30
AFSCME members visit legislators: 1:30 – 3:15 pm

Where: Empire State Plaza Convention Center, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12242