Budget Address (continued)

While cost cuts were proposed, Gov. Rendell intends to increase funding for education and health care.  But, one school that won't be benefiting is Scotland School for Veteran's Children in Franklin County.  The governor proposed an elimination of funding for the school and AFSCME has been put on notice that the facility will close; however, the union plans to take the governor to task to save this school and feels many legislators will back us up.

The governor also said we shouldn't "get starry eyed about the billions in federal relief that may come our way."  By law, it cannot be used to balance a state's budget and "the funds must be spent over the next 2 or 3 years."

C13 Exec. Dir. Fillman took part in a Press Conference following the address along with Kathy Jellison, SEIU L668 President and John Meyerson, Legislative Director of UFCW L1776.

"I'm pleased that the governor has come up with some creative revenue enhancements," said Fillman.  "This is what the union wanted all along; to exhaust the many cost saving options out there before coming after workers."  Fillman reiterated to the press that we will continue talks with the Governor's Office and that the collective bargaining agreement will NOT be re-opened.  "The Rainy Day Fund and other surpluses are a result of contract sacrifices our members have made over the past 5 years.  We've already shared the pain the governor wants us all to experience -- and we continue to share it every time the budget rolls around."

   Executive Dir. Fillman and Kathy Jellison talk with the press after Gov. Rendell's Budget Address.

John Meyerson, UFCW L1776 Legislative Director (L) and Exec. Dir. Fillman (R) listen to Kathy Jellison, SEIU L668 Pres. along with AFSCME C13 President, Todd Singer, members, Directors and Staff.  The biggest cheer came when Jellison said, "In the famous words of Dave Fillman, we'll whine! scream! and holler! to save vital public services!"