Patch-through calls promote the tax the wealthy message

Hundreds of PEF Region 8 members will receive a patch-through call Monday, March 21. Once the members receive the call about the importance to tax the wealthy, an operator will assist members in patching-through to state Senator Hugh Farley’s office. Members are being asked to leave a message for the senator about the need to fairly tax the wealthy, as legislators prepare for a state budget.

PEF leaders urge members to take action

As PEF and other labor unions are facing unprecedented attacks on jobs, wages, benefits and potentially the right to bargain, member involvement is paramount to the union’s success. Each and every member can make a difference by actively participating at the highest level possible. All that involves is taking a few moments to contact your legislator.

PEF President Ken Brynien said the union has been successful in the past by protecting jobs and getting legislation passed because of member support. To be successful this time, PEF needs even more member involvement.

To help make a difference in the outcome of your job and the next contract, PEF urges you to call, write or visit your legislator. Tell them you are a state employee and that the proposed budget unfairly places the burden of closing the budget gap on the backs of state employees. And that is unfair to cut state employee wages while giving millionaires a $21,000 tax cut.

For fact sheets on the budget proposal, visit the PEF website.

You also are urged to sign-up for the Active Informed Member bulletins, by signing up on the PEF website.

PEF launches statewide ad campaign

PEF is launching an ad campaign as part of its battle to protect state jobs and services. The ads will appear in major newspapers, as well as web ads and on TV in major cities from New York City to Buffalo. The ads will run Monday, March 7 through Friday, March 18. You can also view them on the PEF website, pef.org.

PEF president testifies at consolidation of state agencies hearing

PEF President Ken Brynien will testify at a state Senate hearing on the consolidation of state agencies Monday, March 7 in Albany. PEF opposes the Executive Budget proposal to merge the Foundation for Science and Technology into the Empire State Development Corporation. PEF also objects to the consolidation of the Department of Correctional Services with the Division of Parole.

Brynien said, “When it comes to consolidations, this budget ignores the biggest and fattest elephants in the room. Public authorities must be included in any discussion about making state government more efficient.”

Political Action Committee members meet with legislators

PEF’s political activists will meet with state legislators Wednesday, March 9 to discuss the union’s concern for a fair executive budget. Make your voice heard, call, write and visit your legislators to demand a budget that is fair to state employees. A sample letter and legislative contact information is available on the PEF website, pef.org.