In response to Connecticut's $10 billion deficit, the thirteen unions of the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) have come together to urge the wealthy and big corporations to pay their fair share too. State public service workers have stepped up with approximately $700 million in budget savings, in the form of wage freezes and furlough days, among other givebacks.

The General Assembly's House of Representatives voted last night to approve SEBAC's cost-saving package, and a vote is expected in the Senate today.

Members of SEBAC unions said the decision to accept freezes and lost wages, as well as increases in their healthcare costs was not an easy one to make. However, they stated that it is important to protect vital services that people will rely on even more heavily during dire economic times.

"I think about the families I serve and what would happen if I wasn't there," said Mary Halloran a teacher with the Department of Developmental Services. "We work with wonderful children from birth to three who, because of their developmental delays, face complex issues in education and healthcare -- to name just a few. In addition to the services we deliver, we provide critical support for their family as a whole so their child can be as successful as possible."

"This cost-saving package saves the state a significant amount of money, while looking at the bigger picture and the long-term health of our economy," said Ric Torres a lieutenant with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services at Cedarcrest Hospital. "The agreement protects vital public services that we all use every day, and keeps our communities safe."

SEBAC is airing a TV spot through May 19 entitled "Step Up" statewide on broadcast television and on cable in local communities. The spot 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.

Halloran and Torres are members of two of the 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, and to view the video of the ad, visit www.InThisTogetherCT.org.

 "Step Up" Video for TV/Cable