DON'T PANIC, the budget is out

Today Governor Corbett delivered his budget speak (Click here for Transcript of Governor’s Speech).

I know, it's scary especially with what is happening in Wisconsin, Ohio, and many other states across the US. All I ask is that we take a little advice from "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" and don't panic.

As of this moment, I have not been formally told of any negotiation meetings, but I did hear a rumor from another AFSCME Local that a negotiations meeting has been scheduled for March 29, 2011. As I get more information I will share.

What I do want you to do, is remind you co-workers who are fair-share dues payers, now is the time to join the Union. Why? Because the Governor knows how many members we have, and how many we don't. The more full dues paying members we have, the louder and more clearly the Governor and the Legislature will hear our voices. Not only at the negotiating table, but in the workplace.

Speaking of voices, there will be a Rally for a Responsible Budget on May 3, 2011. Council Director Mike Fox sent me this information;

Sisters and Brothers,

The Budget debate begins. Tomorrow Governor Corbett will make his budget address to the General Assembly. All reports suggest that it will be full of cuts that will affect everyone except the rich and large corporations. We must engage in the debate as public employees because we will be directly impacted. The cuts that are expected will affect us at all levels of government. We will be joining other unions as well as other groups and concerned citizens at a rally on May 3rd in the rotunda at the capitol from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

A strong showing by AFSCME is expected and needed.

The Clear Coalition has chartered 36 buses all over the state. There will be buses leaving from the AFSCME conference Center, 150 S 43rd St., Harrisburg. I will be sending another notice once we have determined the departure times but in the meantime go to the below link and register to attend.

Here ' s the link: http://clearforpa.org/index.cfm?zone=/unionactive/view_calendar.cfm&calendarID=4323471&thisdate=%7bts%20%272011-05-01%2000:00:00%27%7d&useCalSection=main

Mike Fox

I personally look forward to seeing EVERYONE there.

If you have questions or concerns about the Governor’s Budget, don't hesitate to contact me. I will do my best to answer them, until we know more, don't panic.

In Solidarity,

Della