My speech for today's rally at the Capitol

What do we want – PAID! When do we want it – NOW!

Hi everyone, my name is Della Selner, and I am the President of AFSCME Local 2456.
I have been asked to tell you my story though I know from talking too many of you; my worries are small in comparison to yours.

In September 2008, my husband lost his job with the construction company he worked for as an independent contractor, there went most of my savings.

In December of 2008, I was involved in a car accident with an uninsured motorist; there went the rest of my savings.

In March 2009, I had surgery on my foot that was supposed to be covered by workman’s compensation, they denied the claim, and I have no savings.

Now here we are in July of 2009, I have no savings, I was already behind and struggling to keep up with everything, and now, THROUGH ABSOLUTELY NO FAULT OF MY OWN, I have to come to work and not get PAID!

I wake up each and every morning since this nightmare began absolutely terrified that I COULD LOSE EVERYTHING that I have worked the past 25 years to build. My house, my new to me car, my family.

We were living paycheck to pay check, most weeks, robbing Peter to pay Paul as my mother says. Now, I can’t even tell my creditors when I will get my next paycheck. Thank god my husband is working, making about half of what he was in September of 2008. Every Morning I think, how will I keep the lights on? The water and the sewer flowing? How will we eat? I already can’t pay my flood insurance. That is enough for my mortgage company to start foreclosure. Where will we live? Rendellville? What is Rendellville, think Hooverville during the great depression, but in Harrisburg.

How long do you think it will be after I can’t provide for my 11 year old daughter that social services will become involved? Will my family fall apart?

I think about this every single morning, and every single night. My last thoughts are of this, and of you. My fellow Commonwealth Employees, the Doctors and Nurses at the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home, The County Assistance Workers in Johnstown, Clearfield, Erie, and Lancaster, The Prison Guards at SCI Greene, the dedicated employees at the Ebensburg Center, the rest of you already struggling before this to make ends meet, and I wonder how long it will be until all of you join me in Rendellville THROUGH NO FAULT OF OUR OWN.

One person described it best, maybe the Gov and the Republican Senators have watched too much Popeye, un- like Whimpy we can’t “Gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today”.

Thanks for listening to my story, stay strong, if you need help ask. AFSCME Local 2456 is offering the use of our office computer and telephone to those who need it. Whether to call your creditors or apply for help. Have your Steward get in touch with our Stewards and schedule a time.

What do I want – PAID! When do I want it – NOW!