URGENT MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DONOHUE: "DIFFICULT DAYS AHEAD"

Albany, N.Y.--  Gov. Andrew Cuomo will unveil his proposed state budget on Tuesday, Feb. 1. The governor has kept details under tight wrap but CSEA expects there will be enormous and devastating cuts to state and local governments, health care and education.

There are enormous challenges in front of New Yorkers at all levels of government. The new governor has stated that he wants new approaches to how needs will be met and essential services are delivered. It remains to be seen if Gov. Cuomo’s proposal will truly match his rhetoric.

CSEA has consistently stated that we are looking for fairness in his approach. Where we agree that his proposals are good for the people of New York we will be supportive and where they are not, we will make our case.

Let’s be clear however, that massive layoffs of frontline working people who deliver necessary services will be devastating to the families involved and harmful to New York’s economy and communities that depend on those services. Politicians cannot talk about economic recovery while pursuing layoffs.

CSEA is prepared for whatever may come with a ground and air campaign to deliver the facts to the public. We will make our voice heard. We cannot succeed however, without the involvement and mobilization of CSEA members at the grassroots level – standing up for what is right and delivering a reality check to family, friends and neighbors, as well as elected officials.

A series of training sessions for activists are scheduled in every CSEA region in the next several weeks. Plans are also developing for a statewide series town hall style meetings, lunch and learns and other opportunities to deliver information to the rank and file in your worksites and local communities. These plans are being coordinated through your CSEA region offices with the involvement of your region presidents and region directors.

All CSEA members should check the CSEA website or the Voice Reporter regularly for updated information and resources. Members should also sign in to the members only area of the website as well for additional resources including the opportunity to register for the CSEA Action Alert network to receive e-mails and other notification about breaking developments.

Make no mistake, there are difficult days ahead. CSEA is only as strong as all of us together. Now is the time for us to come together and demonstrate that strength like never before.