Cathy's inspiration was a commentary in last week's edition of the Business Journal by a public policy analyst with the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA). Unfortunately, he offered little more than the same "slash and burn" tactics for closing the state's growing budget deficit being pushed by Governor M. Jodi Rell and some legislators.

Cathy's response is also a well-timed answer to the governor's latest budget deficit mitigation plan. In fact, our Union members were at the Capitol yesterday for a press conference to counter the Administration's claims that the child and family services she proposed to slash were merely "bureaucratic in nature."

"Kids First" early education provider Jessica Sager was invited to speak and add her personal perspective on the real pain the governor's targeted cuts would inflict. As the Executive Director of All Our Kin, a non-profit dedicated to serving parents and childcare professionals in the New Haven area, she was able to address the impact on both the workforce and the families who rely on their services.

Check the set at our photo gallery with pictures of Jessica and other early education advocates speaking out for Connecticut kids and their families at yesterday's event.

Our members will be up at the Capitol again this morning to call attention to the harm to vulnerable residents, the damage to our economy, and the decimation of private sector jobs the governor's latest proposals would cause.

If you can't make it to Hartford for today's rally and press conference, take a moment to call the Capitol switchboard and ask to be connected to your local representatives. Leave them a brief message with your own personal appeal to make better choices than balancing the budget on the backs of vulnerable children:

• Senate Democrats: (800) 842-1420
• Senate Republicans: (800) 842-1421
• House Democrats: (800) 842-8267
• House Republicans: (800) 842-8270