FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 2, 2009
CONTACT: Jennifer Munt ▪ 651-287-0575 work ▪ 651-357-8544 cell                     click here for PDF

The following statement is from Eliot Seide, director of AFSCME Council 5, Minnesota’s largest public employee union, in response to the state budget forecast released today.

“Chronic deficits are man-made disasters, created by Gov. Pawlenty and his legislative allies, who refuse to raise revenue to balance the budget. They’ve protected tax breaks for the wealthy, while cutting the vital public services that working families need most when they’re losing their jobs, their homes, and their health care.”

“Raising revenue fairly must be part of the solution. The state could raise $3.8 billion by requiring the wealthiest 10 percent of Minnesotans to pay their fair share of income taxes.”

“We need to restore tax fairness if we want to remain an above-average state. No one ever cut their way to greatness. Great states invest in education, health care, transportation, and good jobs that can support a family.”

AFSCME Council 5 is a union of 43,000 public and non-profit workers throughout Minnesota, including 20,000 members employed by the state. The union advocates for excellence in public services, dignity in the workplace, and opportunity and prosperity for all working families.

###