The middle class is being squeezed again.
It’s time for a fair solution to the budget crisis

The governor’s budget proposal is an attack on the middle class.

The proposed spending plan will cost the average family of four more than $3,800 per year in new taxes and fees.

The news gets worse if you’re a state employee. You get squeezed even more.

In addition to the taxes and fees imposed on the average working family, the governor also wants to take away collectively bargained pay raises and strip away one week’s pay (lagged pay).

The new taxes and fees combined with the loss of salary mean the budget will cost the average state employee more than $6,800 in the first year!

The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) recognizes the state’s dire fiscal situation, but believes the burden of fixing this crisis must be shared.

We have solutions. Here are just a few:
• Cut wasteful spending on pricey consultants and contractors — (SAVE: $730 million over three years);

• Reduce employee overtime costs — (SAVE: $160 million); and

• Increase the income tax on wealthy New Yorkers — (ADD: $2-$7 billion in revenue).

New York’s middle class, those who rely on essential state services, and the workers who provide them shouldn’t bear the brunt of the state’s fiscal burden.

We’re calling on the governor and Legislature to consider our proposals before further tightening the squeeze on the middle class and most vulnerable New Yorkers.

There is a better way. Log onto www.pef.org

Call the Governor 1-877-255-9417. Tell him to CUT THE WASTE, NOT THE WORKERS!

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PEF Public Relations ad campaigns
This ad was created by the PEF PR department and appeared as a color ad on the week of March 9, 2009 of The Capitol  Magaizine © Copyright 2009.