Have you signed up for Email Updates?
Did you receive our recent email update about the 2010 Executive Budget?
If you didn't, and would like to receive email updates in the future, please sign up here!
Take a look below at our most recent email update:
Dear Members,
The 2010 Executive Budget has been released from Governor Paterson's office, and we are looking at a difficult road ahead.
First, I wanted to mention that this winters' fight regarding OMRDD funding has made a definite impact. We are pleased that Governor Paterson has seen the importance of our human services, and this year is seeking to increase the amount of beds in OMRDD facilities in the coming year. We want to thank everyone who participated in lobby days, actions, petitions, and letter-writing.
Unfortunately, our school districts and municipalities are not looking at the same budget picture. With Governor Paterson's budget proposals, school districts are looking at 5% cuts across the board, equaling millions of dollars in cuts across the state. Municipalities are looking at a 2-5% cut to Aid to Municipalities funding, which can have broad-reaching affects on quality of municipal services.
Keep in mind the Executive Budget is not the final budget; it is only the recommendations of the Governor, after which the Legislature votes on a final budget. Which means that our fight isn't over: we need to make sure that the Legislature holds the line to keep OMRDD funding preserved, and we need to fight to keep funding in our school districts and municipalities.
While we realize that the budget picture is grim, and that cuts have to be made throughout the state in order to balance our state's finances, we need to make sure that Legislators hear our voice and understand the importance of the services we provide.
To make sure as many people are reached as possible, and we keep as many members up-to-date as possible, we are trying to expand our email network. If you know anyone who would like to know what's going on in the local, feel free to forward them this email, or use this refer a friend link.
The more members we can reach, the louder our voice will be. We need to speak out to make sure this budget is fair and maintains the high quality of services that our members are so proud to deliver everyday.
In Solidarity,
Jerry Dennis
President, SEIU Local 200United
Sign up for our email list!
