"Billionairs for Budget Cuts" Action Today

.........."Billionaires for Budget Cuts" on the steps of the State Capitol today.
[Click on the picture for full screen view]

The "Billionaires" marched and drove in their limos down Capitol Avenue today to thank Governor Rell for NOT TAXING THE RICH and CUTTING SERVICES to working people and our most vulnerable citizens. While the staged event was a spoof it carried a very serious message. If Governor Rell continues to refuse to tax the rich and close corporate loopholes thousands and thousands of our citizens will be hurt while the rich continue to live their high class lifestyle.

The Governor is scheduled to release her new budget proposal later today that is expected to continue her goal of cutting services to working people and our most vulnerable citizens.

The following is a picture gallery of today's event.

Four limos, transporting the "billionaires," slowly drove down Capitol Ave. with a police escort.

Two "billionairs" holding their sign with their rally call, "Billionaires for Budget Cuts," led the possion of limos. The "billionaires" arrive at the steps of the state capitol.

The "Billionaires" gather on the steps of the State Capitol with their signs.

"Billionaire" speakers thank Governor Rell for her willingness to cut services to working people and our most vulnerable citizens.

In an article today in CapitolWatch, sponsored by the Hartford Courant, it stated that the West Hartford Republic Town Committee said it "uncovered something 'even more disturbing:" the Billionaires for Budget Cuts protest is being hyped on the website of the Communist Party of Connecticut." That would be us.

Quick note to Governor Rell and the Republican State Committee who joined in on the anti-communist rant to try to dodge the real issues: We know which side you are on. The billionaires, millionaires, and large corporations. When push comes to shove on critical issues those are your guys. Those are the very same guys that got us into this financial mess.

Our slogan is "People Before Profits" so we understand why you are so disturbed by our publicizing the event. We join in coalition with many others who are fighting for peace, justice, and equality and are very proud of our efforts. Unlike you, we get NO corporate funding!

By Tom Connolly

Governor Rell's Approval Rating drops in Response to Strong SEBAC Criticism and Ad Campaign

[Note: The coalition of labor and community organizations is sponsoring a street theater event, "Billionaires for Budget Cuts," on Thursday, July 30, 2009 at the State Capitol - 12 Noon. DON'T MISS IT! See the July 21st blog entery below.]

The following article is from the In This Together Ct coalition.

Today, the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute released new approval rating numbers for Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell. Now at a 65 percent approval rating, the Q-Poll notes that this is the first time in over five years that the Governor’s rating has dipped below 70 percent.

“I am not surprised that her approval numbers are beginning to drop,” said Ron McLellan, the President of CEUI/SEIU Local 511. “Until this economic crisis, Governor Rell could hide her allegiance to big corporations and Connecticut’s wealthiest citizens. But now, when the difficult decisions must be made, she has taken money from services that protect the middle-class and that support the most vulnerable among us — all so that the rich and big businesses don’t have to sacrifice.”

In spite of the Governor’s refusal to raise taxes on the wealthy, the Q-Poll shows that 71% of voters support “raising the state income tax for individuals making at least $265,000 per year and couples making at least $500,000.” The poll also finds that 55% of voters reject the “argument that raising taxes will force wealthier residents to move out of Connecticut.” A majority of voters also support raising taxes on corporations.

“Governor Rell’s budget and Executive Orders balance the deficit on the backs of Connecticut’s low-wage families and vulnerable individuals. The Governor does not ask our wealthiest households and corporations to step up to the plate and be part of the solution,” said Maggie Adair, Policy Director for Connecticut Association for Human Services, an organization that works to end poverty and empower families. “Her budget priorities do not reflect the opinion of Connecticut’s residents, who overwhelmingly support increasing the income tax on our highest wage earners. It’s time for policy makers to listen to the people and ask our wealthiest citizens to pay a little more to keep families healthy and safe.”

In February, the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) launched an aggressive television campaign that was designed to educate the public about the Governor’s budget priorities and to hold her accountable for her budget decisions.

“Another example of misplaced priorities is that the Governor wants to close vocational technical schools,” said Rick Tanasi, President of the State Vocational Federation of Teachers, AFT Connecticut. “It’s disappointing, but it’s also extremely short-sighted. Education is key to our economic recovery. Educational opportunities help families become and remain self-sufficient and an educated workforce will attract employers to our state.”

SEBAC and advocacy organizations like Better Choices for Connecticut vowed to continue their public awareness campaign in the upcoming months and into the gubernatorial election season.

CEUI/SEIU and AFT Connecticut are two of the thirteen unions in SEBAC, which serves to unite approximately 50,000 Connecticut State public service workers to address issues of common concern. To learn more about the coalition’s campaign for a fair budget and view the video of their latest TV ad, visit http://www.inthistogetherct.org/.

Posted by Tom Connolly

Billionairs for Budget Cuts!

Governor Rell continues to refuse to consider a fair budget by taxing the rich and closing corporate loopholes. She continues to insist on cutting services.

The coalition of labor and community organizations is sponsoring a street theater action [Billionaires for Budget Cuts] on Thursday, July 30, 2009 at the State Capitol - 12 Noon. It should only be about a 30 minute action. It would be helpful if you could attend and get dressed up like a billionaire. I am not sure what they wear but you get the idea, and please bring friends.

If you have questions please call 860-313-0439.

Together we will make a difference!

By Tom Connolly

VICTORIES!! and TAX THE RICH!

[Picture above] One of the numerous actions that helped result in the override of Governor Rell's veto of the SustiNet bill on Monday, July 20, 2009.

The SustiNet health care bill and funding for health care for the children of the 32BJ union won approval by the General Assembly's Democratic majority. They over road Governor Rell's vetoes. The 32BJ bill allows 600 state janitors and their families to keep their health insurance under the Standard Wage Law. [See the July 16 blog entry below]

These overrides are a tremendous VICTORY for the working people of Connecticut. It was a real people's street fight to get these victories. Numerous rallies, phone calls, personal visits to legislators, emails, and letters to editor, all made the difference. The Democratic leadership listened and fought for these victories.

Unfortunately, the Healthcare Partnership [Also know as the "Pooling bill"] failed in the Senate by one vote. Senator Hartley, a Democrat from Waterbury, left the Senate floor but was in the state Capitol when the vote took place. When asked why she failed to vote on the bill she parroted Governor Rell's and the Republican line, " I think the state of Connecticut cannot afford it at this time."

On Monday, July 20, Governor Rell sent out a statement noting in part, "I remain particularly concerned about the fiscal impact of the SustiNet Bill...The simple fact is that the families and employers of Connecticut cannot afford the new taxes that will be required by this new program."

HELLO GOVERNOR RELL -- Here is a simple message from the working families and the most venerable citizen's of Connecticut. "You are right, we can't afford more taxes!" So

...............TAX THE RICH!!!

The wealthiest tax payers in Connecticut now pay about 4 % of their income in taxes while middle and low income people pay about 10 percent. Governor Rell continues to refuse to tax the rich and close corporate loopholes to deal with Connecticut's budget deficit but is willing to cut services to our working people and our most venerable citizen's.

Celebrate the victories and continue the fight for a fair budget in Connecticut -- TAX THE RICH!

By Tom Connolly

32 BJ Rally for Health Care and July 20th Lobby Day

A rally held by local 32 BJ at the State Capitol on July 15th put a face to the thousands of families in Connecticut without health care. Below are four of the approximately 150 children that will lose their health care as a result of Governor Rell's poison pen veto. The children's parents are janitors that clean State buildings. Governor Rell vetoed bill HB 6502 that would have continued to provide health care for these children. The override vote will be held on Monday July 20th.



[Photo above: Four of children who will lost their health care unless the legislators override Governor "Poison Pen" Rell's veto of HB 6502 on Monday, July 20. [Click on picture for full screen view]

Also scheduled for override of "poison pen" Rell's votes are the SustiNet health care bill and the health care Pooling bill that would promote health call for all.

MONDAY, JULY 20TH IS LABOR LOBBY DAY AT THE STATE CAPITOL

On Monday, July 20th, the SEIU State Council, CCAG and other labor and community groups will coordinate a concentrated lobby day to connect members with individual lawmakers to urge them to override Governor Rell's veto of three health care reform, bills. The bills are: HB 6502 that would provide health care for 32 BJ janitors children, the SustiNet health care bill, and the health care Pooling bill. The lobbing effort will go from 10 AM to 6:30 PM.

If you can not come to the State capitol, contact you State Representative and Senator today and ask them to override Governor Rell's health care vetoes!

House of Representatives: Democrats: 860-240-8500 Toll Free: 1-800-842-8267 Republicans: 860-240-8700 Toll Free: 1-800-842-1423

State Senators: Democrats: 860-240-8600 Toll Free: 1-800-842-1424 Republicans: 860-240-8800 Toll Free: 1800-842-1424

Other photo's from the 32 BJ Rally follow.

Photo above is Diana Cololado. Diana is holding a picture of her two children. She is a 32 BJ union member and had just finished her shift cleaning State buildings. Her daughter has sugar diabetes and will lose her health care in two weeks unless the legislators override Governor Rell's veto.

....Kurt Westly, 32 BJ District Leader for Connecticut rallies the crowd.

Speaker of the House Chris Donovan, wearing a 32 BJ janitor's shirt, spoke passionately to the members of 32 BJ. Chris has been a staunch support of 32 BJ and health care for all.


........FROM THE SustiNet COALITON

[Click of photo for full screen view]

Please read & forward. On July 8, Gov. Rell vetoed SustiNet.

She ignored the needs of the state's hard working people and instead chose to side with the vested interests of insurance companies -- like Anthem which has asked for an increase in premiums as much as 32% for some individual policyholders.

On Monday, July 20, the House and Senate will meet to take action to override the Governor's veto of SustiNet. An override requires the support of 2/3 of both houses in order to pass. July 20 is our last chance!

We are very close to victory. But we need to make sure that our legislators show up for the override session and that they vote YES on SustiNet. Email your Senator and Representative


Please take a moment to email your legislators and forward this email to your friends and family.The House and Senate have already voted once this year to provide quality, affordable health care for everyone -- now we just have to make sure they close the deal!

More information:Connecticut Post, Norwich Bulletin, and New London Day endorse veto override Read our new fact sheetPublic Act 09-148 - Read about Anthem's proposal to raise premiums

..........THE POOLING HEALTH CARE BILL

FROM SPEAKER DONOVAN: GOVERNOR’S VETOED HEALTH CARE BILL ANALYSIS DECEPTIVE AND A DISSERVICE TO WORKING FAMILIES AND BUSINESSES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Doug Whiting
860-240-0160
July 15, 2009 203-400-2127

House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) today said Governor Rell is trying to justify her vetoes of health care reform legislation for Connecticut with scare tactics and faulty information.

“In the past several days, President Obama and Democrats in Congress announced substantial movement on national health care reforms, and today a new report says that rising health care costs and premiums are eliminating coverage for 310 Connecticut residents a week,” Speaker Donovan said. “At the same time, we have Governor Rell using made up numbers that underscore a position that is not supportive of needed health care reform.”

Speaker Donovan said, “The Governor is wrong to suggest that the SustiNet bill will cost the state $1 billion annually in the near term. I am surprised that she would use such a scare tactic. I do know that doing nothing will cost us far more in the long term.”

He said the only entity that the SustiNet bill would create over the biennium is a nine-member board of healthcare providers and experts, willing to volunteer their time to make specific recommendations on how to best implement the comprehensive reform Connecticut needs. No fiscal impact would result from the creation of this board, according to the non-partisan Office of Fiscal Analysis.

“The board’s proposals will include recommendations on the use of new federal dollars we expect will be created under the federal legislation currently being debated, which could eventually help to fund an agency to administer the SustiNet plan,” he said.

Speaker Donovan added, “After months of denying the savings attached to the pooling bill, the Governor finally admitted in her second budget proposal that there will be at least $62 million in immediate savings attached to self-insuring.

“The Governor’s analysis cherry picks claims data when projecting health care costs for the next two years. It also did not account for an annual savings of up to $20 million from no longer paying insurance companies to run the state plan. These are dollars that the state should be spending on cost-saving preventive care, not insurance company profits.”

Speaker Donovan concluded, “The Governor is trying to justify her rejection of health care reforms that will help Connecticut families now, and that will position the state for implementation of reforms that are on the fast track in Washington,” Speaker Donovan said. “If she does not want to be a leader on health care, then she should step aside and allow the voices of the families and small business owners of Connecticut who are crying out for health care options to be heard.”

......FROM CCAG

Dear Friend,

Last week, Governor Rell had a chance to act in the interest of the people of Connecticut by signing SustiNet and the Healthcare Partnership bills into law. Together, these bills would put us on the path quality, affordable health care for everyone.

Instead, when presented with this landmark opportunity, Rell used her veto pen to protect the profits of big insurance companies--like Anthem, which has plans to raise premiums by 32%! This was a colossal failure of leadership on Rell's part.

So if you are sick of Governor Rell ignoring us; tired of her looking out for the insurance companies' bottom lines; and have had it up to here with Rell's inaction on health care, then join us at the State Capitol on Monday morning:

When: Monday, July 20 at 9:30 AMWhere: State Capitol Building, 210 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT

The House and Senate passed SustiNet and the Healthcare Partnership by large margins, and so we will be gathering at the State Capitol Monday morning to ask our State Representatives and Senators to do it again. Will you join us on Monday morning to encourage our legislators to stand with us as they convene a special session for veto overrides?

With your help, our state legislators will show leadership where the governor won't. Let's show Governor Rell that she can't veto us. Because this is the last chance for us to act on these important health care bills, I ask you to please pass this message along. Send it far and wide, and bring a friend (or two!) with you Monday. I'll see you then. Tom SwanCCAG Executive Director
By Tom Connolly

New Haven Board: Confirm Sotomayor!

Reprinted from People's World Daily On-line July 14, 2009

by Joelle Fishman

A week before the confirmation hearings for the appointment of Honorable Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court, the New Haven Board of Aldermen passed a resolution on her behalf. The action of the Board is especially significant as the Republican Party and right-wing seek to use the case of white firefighters to oppose her appointment and attack affirmative action.

The 30-member Board, composed of African American, Latino and white members, voted nearly unanimously with the exception of a no vote by the one Republican and one abstention. The resolution lists her many impeccable credentials, and emphasizes that she would be the first Latina on the Court where only one other woman now serves.

The resolution quotes President Obama's criteria for nominating Sotomayor. “First and foremost is a rigorous intellect, a mastery of law, an ability to hone in on key issues. …Second, is a recognition of the limits of the judicial role… that a judge’s job is to interpret, not make law,” he said. “Yet these qualities alone are insufficient.” “We need something more.” “What’s also needed on the high court, is the experience that can give a person a common touch and a sense of compassion, an understanding of how the world works and how ordinary people live."

The resolution resolved that "the New Haven Board of Aldermen of the City of New Haven urges the Congress to confirm President Barack Obama’s nominee Federal Jurist Honorable Sonia Sotomayor for the U.S. Supreme Court."

The full text of the resolution follows:


RESOLUTION OF THE NEW HAVEN BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF NEW HAVEN URGING THE CONGRESS TO CONFIRM PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA’S NOMINEE FEDERAL JURIST HONORABLE SONIA SOTOMAYOR FOR THE U.S. SUPREME COURT.

WHEREAS: Sonia Sotomayor, born in June 25, 1954, is a federal judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit; and

WHEREAS: On May 26, 2009, President Barack Obama nominated judge Sotomayor for the appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court, to replace retiring Justice David Souter; and

WHEREAS: Federal Jurist Honorable Sonia Sotomayor, who was raised in a Bronx project and attended some of the nation’s most prominent universities, has been inspired by both her family and what the law have provided; and

WHEREAS: Federal judge Sonia Sotomayor graduated from Cardinal Spellman High School in the Bronx. She earned her A.B. from Princeton University, summa cum laude, in 1976, where she won the Pyne Prize, the highest general award given to Princeton undergraduates; and

WHEREAS: Federal judge Sonia Sotomayor obtained her J.D. from Yale Law School in 1979, where she was an editor of the Yale Law Journal;

WHEREAS: Federal judge Sonia Sotomayor served as an Assistant District Attorney under prominent New York county district Attorney Robert Morgenthau prosecuting robberies, assaults, murders, police brutality, and child pornography cases. In 1984, she entered private practice, making partner at the commercial litigation firm of Pavia & Harcourt, where she specialized in intellectual property litigation; and

WHEREAS: Hon. Sonia Sotomayor is considered a political centrist by the American Bar Association Journal and others, Sotomayor was nominated on November 27, 1991, by President George H. W. Bush to a seat on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York vacated by John M. Walker, Jr. Hon. Sonia Sotomayor became the youngest judge in the Southern District and the first Hispanic federal judge anywhere in New York State; and

WHEREAS: Hon. Sotomayor has received honorary degrees from Lehman College, Princeton University, Brooklyn Law School, Pace University School of Law, Hofstra University, and Northeastern University. She was elected a member of the American Philosophical Society in 2002; and

WHEREAS: While in private practice Hon. Sonia Sotomayor was appointed in 1988 as one of the founding members of the New York City Campaign Finance Board, where she served for four years. She has also been a member of the Board of Directors of the State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA), the Puerto Rican League Defense and Education Fund, and the foundation then known as the Maternity Center Association (now called Childbirth Connection).

WHEREAS: Hon. Sonia Sotomayor was an Adjunct Professor at New York University School of Law from 1998 to 2007 and has been a lecturer-in-law at Columbia Law School since 1999; and

WHEREAS: She is member of the Board of Trustees of Princeton; and

WHEREAS: Federal Jurist Sonia Sotomayor, if confirmed, would become the first Latino member of the nation’s highest court, and

WHEREAS: President Barack Obama has said that he wants a new justice with “a common touch” and a measure of “empathy,” also is offering a measure of ethnic diversity to a court dominated by white men; and

WHEREAS: The nine-member of the U.S. Supreme Court includes just one female justice and one black justice; and

WHEREAS: Honorable Sonia Sotomayor was chosen for the U.S. Supreme Court over considerable competition; and

WHEREAS: As President Obama’s opinion on Jurist Sonia Sotomayor “First and foremost is a rigorous intellect, a mastery of law, an ability to hone in on key issues. …Second, is a recognition of the limits of the judicial role… that a judge’s job is to interpret, not make law,” he said. “Yet these qualities alone are insufficient.” “We need something more.” “What’s also needed on the high court, is the experience that can give a person a common touch and a sense of compassion, an understanding of how the world works and how ordinary people live.”; and

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the New Haven Board of Aldermen of the City of New Haven urges the Congress to confirm President Barack Obama’s nominee Federal Jurist Honorable Sonia Sotomayor for the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Poison Pen of Governor Rell and a State Rally

The poison pen of Governor Rell recently vetoed the SustiNet Bill, the Pooling Bill, and health care for State janitors, among other bills. She continues to stall by not agreeing to a State budget and demanding more cuts for labor and community priorities while refusing to tax the rich and big corporations.

................STATE RALLY...............


A State-wide RALLY sponsored by Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ will take place on:

Date: Thursday July 16th, 2009
Time: 12 noon-1:00pm
Place: CT State Capitol Building (Capitol Avenue Side)


The union is calling on the General Assembly to go back to work and override Gov. Rell's veto of HB 6502 that would keep state employee janitors' children off HUSKY while saving the taxpayers money.

For information & to confirm your attendance contact SEIU 32BJ at 860-560-8674.

ATTEND THE RALLY AND CALL GOVERNOR RELL.

If you have called the Governor's office, call again. If you have not yet called, now is a good time to call. The Governor's office number is 860-566-4840 (toll free: 800-406-1527) Keep your message simple and clear. Support a fair budget, tax the rich, close corporate loopholes, and maintain vital State services.

By Tom Connolly

George Fishman, a life with a purpose

People's Weekly World Newspaper, 07/08/09 11:08


George M. Fishman, lifelong working class scholar, teacher and activist, passed away peacefully at his New Haven, Conn., home on June 30, at age 92. He was a stalwart champion of quality public education for all children, workers' rights, equality and peace, and together with wife Edie a builder of the working class movement and press for over seven decades.


Fishman, born to immigrant parents in Philadelphia, Pa., on Jan. 6, 1917, was a high school social science and history teacher. He held a Ph.D. in history from Temple University.

Since 1938 he was actively involved in African American and labor studies, as researcher, writer and teacher. A member of many professional organizations, his articles were published in academic and popular journals including the People's Weekly World and its predecessors.

A selection of his work, "For a Better World. A Miscellany," was completed in 2002. He was a member of American Federation of Teachers Retirees Chapters in New Haven and Philadelphia.

From 1938 to 1941 Fishman was a staff member of a Works Projects Administration (WPA) teaching unit. It pioneered in staff development in African American life, history and culture and in conducting classes in labor unions and community organizations.

During the fight against fascism in World War II he was a radio man aboard a Landing Ship Medium (#361) in the Pacific. His service included teaching English. He was awarded four medals: American Theater, Asian-Pacific, Philippine Liberation and Victory.

Following the war, he taught social studies, history and mathematics mainly in the public secondary schools of Philadelphia but also in New Jersey until his retirement in August 1984.

In 1952 during the McCarthy period he was forced to leave his teaching position as part of the general purge of progressives including Communists, labor activists and civil rights advocates from public life.

He went to work at Campbell's Soup in Camden, N.J. He was a union shop steward and leader of Local 80A United Packinghouse Workers of America, CIO, for eight years.

He returned to teach in Philadelphia in 1968 when the school system repudiated past discriminatory practices and all teachers were invited back. He continued teaching there until his retirement.

In 1985, while living in Highland Park, N.J., he was a candidate for governor of New Jersey on the Communist Party ticket. His campaign highlighted the needs of public education, especially of multiracial urban schools.

In 1994 George and Edie Fishman received the Ida B. Wells Community Service Award from the NAACP.

They moved to New Haven, Conn., 13 years ago to join daughter Joelle. During those years George and Edie became well known and loved in the labor movement and throughout the community for their activism, commitment and vision. At every meeting, conference, rally and picket line where he went, George was looked to for his knowledge, solid convictions, dedication to building unity, and warmth.

He was deeply involved in the broad movement against the ultra-right which elected Barack Obama and at the time of his death was building support for the Employee Free Choice Act and health care for all.

When asked for reflections on his 90th birthday Fishman wrote, "The turning point in my life was registered some 70 years ago when in a time of world crisis with the advance of fascism and the decay of economic and social conditions in the U.S. I was able to become a member of the Young Communist League.

"It was not only that through the Young Communist League I met my comrade in arms Edie and that we have continued arm in arm over these years. But through the Young Communist League and the Communist Party I was able to become part of the working class movement. ... it was meaningful starting in 1937 to be part of the movement for employment, for peace, the struggle against racism, and the struggle against fascism."

Fishman always sought to relate the daily struggles of working people to building the democratic struggle for socialism in our country. He took great pride in distributing and contributing to the working class press from the Daily Worker to the People's Weekly World. He lived an exemplary life with a purpose.

George Fishman is survived by wife Edie, daughter Joelle and son-in-law Arthur Perlo.

A memorial celebration will be held on Sunday, Sept. 6. Messages and contributions to the People's Weekly World in George's name can be sent to: New Haven Peoples Center, 37 Howe Street, New Haven CT 06511 or via e-mail to peoplescenter@pobox.com.

The Fight Continues to Pressure Govenor Rell to Meet People's Needs

..A FAIR STATE BUDGET AND HEALTH CARE FOR ALL!...

If you have called the Governor's office, call again. If you have not yet called, now is a good time to call. The Governor's office number is 860-566-4840 (toll free: 800-406-1527) Keep your message simple and clear. Support a fair budget, tax the rich, close corporate loopholes, and maintain vital State services.

[Click on photos for full screen view]

....THE BETTER CHOICES FOR CT PRESS CONFERENCE
July 6, 2008

Phil Sherwood, center in photo above, stood in front of the Governor's mansion at a press conference sponsored by the Better Choices of CT Coalition. The Coalition is made up of over 40 community and labor organizations that have been fighting for a fair State budget. Phil is the Deputy Director of the Connecticut Citizen's Action Group.

The Governor vetoed the 2010-2011 legislature's State budget. She issued Executive Order # 28 that immediate cuts funding for vital services while she continues to stall on signing a fair budget package, that includes taxing the rich and closing corporate loopholes.

The Governor has ordered cuts to Family Resource Centers, Regional Education Service Centers, organizations that provide HIV/AIDS services and counseling, and has frozen student loans, among other services that depend on state funding for the month of July.

Joe Antelmi, a UConn student, center of the photo above, spoke passionately about the negative impact of the Governor's cuts on students.

Michele Ganon, a professor of accounting at Western Connecticut State University noted that "When Connecticut needs an educated workforce more than ever, and when attaining a college degree is directly tied to peoples' ability to support themselves and their families, the Governor cut funding for students loans."

Shawn Lang, center above, said, "We're outraged the Governor doesn't consider people with HIV/AIDS among the vulnerable citizens. In fact, they are among the most medically and socially fragile people in this state living in poverty with complex medical needs." Shawn is Director of Public Policy for the Connecticut AIDS Resource Coalition.

In a prepared statement The Better Choices for Connecticut Coalition noted that they have "repeatedly called upon the Governor to pass a budget that asks millionaires and corporations to pay their fair stare of taxes instead of further punishing the middle class and the state's most vulnerable citizens. The organization has also highlighted the connection between public spending and economic recovery, pointing out that the Governor's cuts negate the benefits of federal stimulus funding championed by President Barack Obama."

Participates Brian Steinberg and Kedar Fluker express their views with the sign "Gov. Rell - You Taxed Workers - Now Tax the Rich!"

...HEALTH CARE FOR ALL - THE SustiNet COALITION RALLY ... July 7, 2008

Continuing the pressure on Gov. Rell to sign the SustiNet bill that promotes health care for all, the SustiNet Coalition rallied at the State Capitol.

Rep. Chris Donovan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, thanked the crowd for their outstanding work on promoting health care for all. Rep. Donovan has been fighting for passage of SustiNet and the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership (the pooling bill) to lay the groundwork for health care for all.

After the outside rally the coalition marched into the State Capitol to present personal messages to the Governor.

Brian Steinberg and Jackie Velez display examples of their personal message to the Governor. Brian's message states, "Too many people need health care!" Jackie's note is, " Because we have a human right!"
At the conclusion of the rally, Juan Figueroa, center, and the delegation from the rally went to the Governor's office to presents her with rally participates personal message on the need for health care for all. The children were to present personal messages to the Governor but she was not available.
A representative from the Governors office came out to accept the messages from the children.

REMEMBER: CONTINUE TO CALL THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE AND ASK OTHERS TO DO SO. Together we can make a difference!

By Tom Connolly