The Governor's latest budget package would set the personal income tax rate at 6.5% for joint filers reporting $1 million or more in annual earnings. Though the press is reporting the proposal as a positive step in budget negotiations between the Administration and legislative leaders, the reality is that it still allows the wealthiest to contribute far less to supporting Connecticut's quality of life than their counterparts in neighboring states.

Yet the Governor insists on slashing public services even deeper than those she has previously devastated with her Executive Orders to maintain bare-bones operations for the past two months.

Add to that her proposal to eliminate the millionaire's inheritance tax, and the Governor's potential step in the right direction is little more than a "half-measure" that leaves Connecticut residents with the status quo.

Which is why we must continue to pressure the Governor and state lawmakers to pass a fair budget that preserves the services working and middle class families rely on. Members of SEBAC's unions must speak out about the failed leadership that has yet to produce an agreement, and threatens the quality of life for all.

Just last week, leaders of the Connecticut State Police Union voiced their growing concerns over the recent drop in staffing levels in the Department of Public Safety. Union President Cathy Osten was quoted in an article on the impact to Eastern Connecticut communities in Monday's Norwich Bulletin.

Then on Tuesday, she joined CSPU members, state legislators, and local elected officials for a press conference at Troop E Barracks in Montville to respond to the Governor's latest call for a scaled-back trooper class. Watch a short video with highlights from the event online here.

At the same time, members of our Union and District 1199/SEIU working in public health facilities, residential treatment centers, and hospitals have continued to expose harmful cuts to heath and human services. Last week's protest at the Governor's Mansion showed the dedication and commitment that State public service workers have for the clients they serve.

Going forward, we will need to encourage more active participation from the people we serve -- and their families, as well. Our approach to "save High Meadows' boys" offers an example, and this week's New Haven Advocate features a heartbreaking article on the unfair choices being forced on parents whose sons face an uncertain future if the Governor's scheme to close the facility goes forward.

How can you help? Reach out to past clients and family members of those who have received medical, therapeutic, social, and substance abuse services at facilities like High Meadows, Cedarcrest Hospital, and the Blue Hills Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Center -- all of which the Governor has threatened to shut down.

Urge them to attend the joint public hearing of the Public Health and Human Services Committees next Thursday, September 3 at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. Public testimony begins at 1:30 PM, and lawmakers need to hear from those who would be most affected if their lifelines are cut.