The State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) responded to the budget proposed by legislative Democrats earlier today by emphasizing that their unions are committed to help the state rise out of the economic crisis and prepare for long-term prosperity and growth. Discussions with the Rell Administration are on-going, and SEBAC leadership is confident that an agreement can be reached that will provide significant savings to the state.

"We believe that it is possible, if everyone does their part, to identify significant state savings, to maintain much needed services and programs, and to be fair to the workers who comprise SEBAC's membership," said Ron McLellan, an engineer at Central Connecticut State University, and President of CEUI/SEIU Local 511.

"The Democrats' proposal is a step in the right direction," said Bill Boucher, a special agent with the Department of Consumer Protection, and president of the Protective Services Employees Coalition (PSEC). "At long last we have an honest assessment about the size of the deficit, and acknowledgement that it will take revenue enhancements to address it. It's the only strategy that makes financial sense for the state right now." Boucher continued, "however, we're disappointed that this budget contains so many cuts to public services that Connecticut residents will need more than ever in this economic downturn. That will only further hurt the economy."

Adjustments to our tax structure are long overdue in a state where the richer have systematically gotten richer, the poor poorer, and the middle class squeezed. The joint Appropriations and Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committees' proposal brings a new sense of fairness to the budget debate instead of placing the entire economic burden on the backs of Connecticut's working families and our most vulnerable citizens.

"The unions will do their part, and we appreciate the Democrats for realizing that others must step up to the plate as well" said Shirley Watson, a forensic treatment specialist with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and a member of the New England Health Care Employees Union, District 1199/SEIU. "The budget ultimately should have a greater contribution from those most able to pay" she added, saying "we are truly all in this together, and it will take all of us working as a team to move forward."

CEUI/SEIU Local 511, PSEC, and District 1199/SEIU are three of the thirteen unions in SEBAC, which serves to unite approximately 50,000 Connecticut State public service workers to address issues of common concern. To learn more about the coalition's campaign for a fair budget and a livable state with great public services, visit www.InThisTogetherCT.org.