As Connecticut’s elected leaders grapple with a $10 billion deficit, the thirteen unions of the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) have stayed true to their pledge to push for a viable long term budget solution: revenue reform. Their latest television ad, titled "Simple Problem," reminds the governor and legislators that drastic budget cuts will not only cripple public service delivery but will also cause further job loss in the private sector.

SEBAC members voted earlier this month to accept wage freezes, furlough days and other cost savings to help the State balance its budget, returning $700 million to the general fund. The agreement was designed to protect public services; services that Connecticut will need even more as the economic downturn continues.

"We fought hard to protect vital public services, and to make sure that our members got a fair agreement," said Jennifer Murphy, a clinical social work associate at High Meadows Residential Treatment Facility in Hamden. "We contributed $700 million to help ease the fiscal crisis, but now we must focus on the underlying and long-term problem of revenue."

SEBAC is working with a wide range of organizations including Better Choices for Connecticut, a community coalition that is addressing the state's imbalanced revenue system.

"Our organization has a mission to end poverty in Connecticut," said Maggie Adair of the CT Association for Human Services. "So it’s a natural fit for us to work with SEBAC and the other forward-thinking organizations that are calling for tax reform. This is the only way that we can protect the crucial public services that working families rely on each and every day. The best way to protect jobs in the public AND private sectors is to call on our elected leaders to enact revenue reform."

SEBAC is airing the TV spot through June 3, coinciding with the end of the regular legislative session. It can be seen on broadcast television and on cable in local communities. The ad continues SEBAC's call for others to join them in protecting state services and specifically mentions that wealthy individuals, profitable corporations and others who can afford to pay should be called upon to contribute their fair share.

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:
"A Simple Problem" Video for TV/Cable