The State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) released their fourth television ad today, which calls on Governor M. Jodi Rell to make sure that the state's wealthiest residents and most profitable corporations do their part to ease the current economic crisis.

Last month, members of the thirteen unions that comprise SEBAC voted to accept wage freezes, furlough days and other givebacks to help the state balance its budget. The agreement returned $700 million to state coffers to help address the worsening budget situation. These working men and women voted in support of this agreement with the expectation that others would be called upon for "shared" sacrifice as well.

From the beginning of discussions, all parties to the agreement understood that this current budget could not be balanced by cuts alone. To slash public services in a draconian way would bring Connecticut's economy to a standstill and waste the state's share of President Barack Obama's stimulus package funds.

SEBAC leadership has consistently argued that a sustainable, long-term solution is necessary to get Connecticut back on track and has pointed to the need for significant revenue reform. The coalition supports proposals that would raise the income tax rate on the wealthy and close corporate tax loopholes, and has opposed gimmicks and cuts that would lead Connecticut even deeper into recession.

"At the same time the Governor says that we all must be part of a 'shared' journey, she has publicly pledged to protect Connecticut's wealthiest residents and most profitable corporations from any sacrifice" said Carol Carney, who recently retired from the Staff Development Unit at the State Department of Labor (DOL). "She seems content to balance her budget on the backs of the middle class and our state's most vulnerable. We hope this ad will cause people to question why everyone is not being asked to be part of the solution."

SEBAC is airing the TV spot through June 30 on broadcast television and cable in local communities to coincide with a special session of the General Assembly to pass a state budget for fiscal year 2010 - 2011. To learn more about the coalition's campaign for a fair budget and a livable state with great public services, and to view the video of the ad, visit www.InThisTogetherCT.org.

Link:
"Shared?" Video for TV/Cable