JOIN THE ACTION TO PROTECT SOCIAL SECURITY ON JULY 2, 2013

The Human Chain Against the chained CPI July 2, 2013 @ 3 p.m. Join the Connecticut Alliance for Retired Americans and the Connecticut AFL-CIO  in a National Day of Action to elevate our voices in the battle to protect and enhance retirement security.  We will join together in front of the Robert Giamo Federal Building  in New Haven to form a Human Chain against the Chained CPI. The Chained CPI is a Social Security benefit cut that will take thousands of dollars out of the pockets of seniors.  Join us on July 2nd and tell Congress we oppose any cuts to Social Security! Where: Federal Building,  150 Court St. New Haven, CT (corner of Orange St and Court St) What: National Day of Action to  oppose cuts to Social Security When: Tuesday, July 2 at 3:00pm Contact:  Mary Elia at  maryeliawh@gmail.com       or (203) 500-6089 Posted by T. Connolly

AN ACTION BY THE 99% - SHOW CITIZEN KOCH ON PUBLIC TV

Even the best of us make mistakes -- and public television just made a big one.

Because they were afraid of upsetting Tea Party billionaire and PBS donor David Koch, public television pulled funding for a documentary by Academy Award-nominated filmmakers on the corrosive role of money in politics. That means millions of PBS viewers won't have the chance to see the film Citizen Koch. David Koch's enormous wealth -- and $23 million in donations to public television as a board member of local PBS stations -- shouldn't give him the power to suppress programming that serves the public good.

Sign our petition: Koch money shouldn't influence public television programming -- we want to see Citizen Koch aired on PBS. 

We're huge fans of public television, and I bet you are too. That's why we want to see it live up to its founding principles of serving the public interest -- not the private interests of wealthy donors like the Kochs. Citizen Koch's exploration of money in politics is exactly the type of debate that public television was started to help foster. But instead, big money has prevented the discussion from even starting.

What makes it even scarier is that right now the Koch brothers are attempting to buy the second-largest newspaper chain in America. Imagine how much more news they could censor and distort if the Kochs owned papers like theLos Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune.

We hope that someday public broadcasting receives enough public funding so it won't be in the position of needing to take money from unsavory and ideological donors like the Koch brothers. Until then, we need to make sure these donations aren't having an outsize influence.

Add your name: Public television should stop the self-censorship and air the documentary Citizen Koch: 
http://action.workingfamiliesparty.org/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=8107

Thanks for your help, and we'll keep you posted,
Erica Sagrans
Working Families
PS: You can watch the trailer for Citizen Koch here.

Sources:1. "A word from our sponsor," New Yorker, 5/27/20132. "L.A. Times Suitor Charles Koch Confirms Interest in Acquiring Newspapers," Hollywood Reporter, 6/5/2013 

Like Working Families on Facebook.  Follow @WorkingFamilies on Twitter. 

Posted by Tom Connolly - From The Working Families Party

NEED ACTION ON IMMIGRATION REFORM

FROM:  THE CENTER FOR A NEW ECONOMY

Time is running out to pass important immigration reform bills in Connecticut.   The session ends June 5th, and when it does will we be able to look back and say we expanded economic opportunity in our state?

Join CCNE, CIRA, CIVIC, immigrants, faith, community and labor leaders from across the state for a mass Immigration Rally and Multicultural Festival this Saturday, June 1st at 1:00pm in Hartford's Bushnell Park.




Let's say no to racial profling and the separation of families. Let's fight for our dreams - to live free from fear and discrimination in welcoming communities where everyone is treated with dignity. Help us pass critical immigration reform bills while celebrating our diversity and having some fun with your family and neighbors. 

And to stay up to date on immigration reform efforts and the broader movement for economic and racial justice, be sure to "like" CCNE's facebook page: www.facebook.com/pages/Connecticut-Center-for-a-New-Economy/27935807063?ref=hl

Posted by Tom Connolly

TODAY'S DEMO - STOP THE KOCH BROTHERS

About 100 labor and community activists attended a 12 noon demonstration toady at the Hartford Courant  to stop the Koch brothers from buying the Courant. [See Photos Below]
 Background - By The Working Families Party.

The Koch brothers are the right-wing duo infamous for funding the Tea Party. Now they want to buy their own media empire to spread their extreme views -- including the Hartford Courant, and its parent, the Tribune Company.

The Kochs have spent their fortune funding anti-worker candidates like Scott Walker and right-wing lobbying groups like ALEC. They even warned tens of thousands of their employees that there would be "consequences" if they didn't vote for Republicans. Not exactly the kind of guys I want running the most respected newspaper in Connecticut. Isn't one Rupert Murdoch enough?

The Hartford Courant is a valuable source of honest journalism. We can't let it turn into a right-wing mouthpiece.

Posted by Tom Connolly

DEMO THIS WED. MAY 29TH - SAY NO TO THE KOCH BROTHERS!

In light of the fact that the Tribune Company is meeting on Thursday, May 30th where the sale to the Koch Brothers will be discussed, a rally is planned in Hartford and other Tribune sites:

Stop the Sale of the Courant to Koch Brothers Rally

Wednesday, May 29

12 Noon -- In Front of the LOB

March from park in front of Legislative Office Building (corner of Broad and Capitol) to the Hartford Courant, Broad Street, Hartford.

Hope you can join us for this very short (less than one hour) protest rally. 

From: Hartford Labor Council

Posted by: Tom Connolly

Scott Walker NOT WECOME IN CONNECTICUT!

STAMFORD, Conn. - As Wisconsin's Gov. Scott Walker was wined and dined by Republicans inside the swanky Stamford Hilton hotel, outside a giant 12 foot rat and corporate pig attracted honks of support as demonstrators chanted "Scotty Walker what a joke! He's in love with the Brothers Koch!"

Members of a dozen unions and community groups organized the protest to make it clear that the voters of Connecticut will not tolerate corporate attempts to enact anti-union "right to work" laws in this state.

Josh Herty, who moved to Connecticut after losing his job in Wisconsin under Walker's budget cutting policies, told the crowd, "Not only did I lose my job, many people with an education are unemployed in Wisconsin because there are no jobs to be had now. Scott Walker, go home!"

Rene Soto, community organizer with the Stamford immigrant organization CRISOL (Coalition of Residents and Immigrants in Solidarity), declared that as someone who is opposed to immigration reform, "Walker is not welcome here."

"It was a shame what you did in Wisconsin," said Harold Brooks, vice president of AFSCME Local 3144 whose members filled a bus from New Haven. "It's immoral to pay low wages. It's immoral to take away dignity and contractual rights from workers. I stand with my union to protect bargaining rights for all!"

John Olsen, president of the Connecticut AFL-CIO decried Walker for refusing federal funds for mass transit in his state. "Anyone who turns down funding because of ideology should be run out of office," declared Olsen, urging those present to make their voices heard at the ballot box for worker-friendly candidates.

A video promo for the annual Republican dinner lauded Walker, attacked Olsen and called on Connecticut to do away with unions. At the dinner, featuring probable Republican candidates for Governor in 2016, Jerry Labriola, chair of the state Republican Party said Walker "could be a role model for how we solve our problems."

Walker's policies have cut funding for public schools, for health care, and for services that public workers provide to the community in Wisconsin. As a result Wisconsin is 44th in the nation for job creation.  Prior to Governor Walker and the Republican legislature, Wisconsin was one of the most progressive states in the nation with all major positions held by Democrats.

With the election of Democrats Governor Danell Malloy and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy in Connecticut, Republican leaders openly hope for the same flip here. They welcomed the opportunity to take Walker's message nation wide.

The Walker plan has been devastating for all working class and rural communities, cutting taxes for millionaires, cutting funds for public education and health care, and blocking wind power and a federally funded high speed rail project.

Walker's allies in Wisconsin's Republican legislature even attempted to place additional restrictions on what food items can be purchased with food stamps. In stark contrast, Sen. Murphy is making headlines this week as he lives on a food stamp budget of $4.80 a day to protest possible budget cuts.

"We don't need Scott Walker here," said Dave Roche, president of the Connecticut State Council of Building Trades. Referring to the funding by the right-wing Koch brothers of Walker's campaign, Roche added, "The Koch brothers are trying to buy newspapers here in Connecticut. We say, get the hell out!"

by Joelle Fishman   People's World   May 23, 2013

SIGN THE FUTURE'S SB 619

SB 619, which sets up a Future's Commission in our state charged with  developing a plan to move from a war dependent  economy to a peace based economy, has passed both the State House and State Senate.

It is now up to the Governor to sign it.

The  Peace Action alert below suggests that people call their Representative to thank them  for supporting SB619 and  call the Governor's office to ask him to sign SB619. 

You can reach an aide for your representative by calling 860-240-8500 and  you can leave a message with your name and address.

 For the Governor's Office  call Toll Free (800) 406-1527 . Please make this call asking the Governor to sign this bill.

Connecticut is leading the nation on raising the critical issue of  peace conversion.

Please pass this information on.

Posted by Tom Connolly

SUPPORT HB 6614 BECAUSE IT'S GOOD FOR CONNECTICUT'S HEALTH AND FINANCES!

·      Connecticut taxpayers currently subsidize the low wages paid by large employers - like Walmart and Dunkin’ Donuts - that have the greatest number of employees enrolled in HUSKY.

·      Walmart, Dunkin’ Donuts, and other large, low-wage employers have stated that they intend to cut their workers’ hours to avoid compliance with the Affordable Care Act.  By forcing even more of their employees to enroll in HUSKY, these employers will place an even greater strain on the state budget.  They want Connecticut taxpayers to pay for their employees’ health care.

·      This strategy also gives these large employers an unfair advantage over businesses that pay fair wages and provide full-time employment. 

·      6614 requires that large employers reimburse the State for a portion of the cost of having their workers enrolled in HUSKY.  This additional revenue (estimated between $57 million and $164 million in year one) will provide needed funds for health programs while leveling the playing field for small businesses.

Call your senator and representative today!

• Senate Democrats: 800-842-1420
• Senate Republicans: 800-842-1421
• House Democrats: 800-842-8267
• House Republicans: 800-842-1421

Posted by Tom Connolly

STOP ELECTRIC SUPPLIERS RIP OFF!

Did you see NBC Troubleshooters’ recent report on the unexpected surge one Connecticut resident faced when she switched electric suppliers?

Ann Palmisano from Bristol, like many of us, received numerous offers from alternative power companies promising big savings on her electric bills. Unfortunately, when she switched providers this year her electric generation cost actually increased by approximately 90% from a little over 10 cents per kilowatt hour in January to over 19 cents in February!

Now, Governor Malloy and some legislators are promoting legislation that would force everyone to buy power from an alternative electric supplier!  Stop his proposal to auction standard service customers to alternative power companies.

Ann Palmisano’s situation is not unique; but, it’s the classic example of why this budget gimmick to auction-off electric customers to alternative electric suppliers, for a one time payment of $100 million, without rate payers’ permission, is a BAD IDEA!   Don’t let Governor Malloy put the Standard Electric Plan on the auction block and cause our electric rates to rise!   Take action today before the General Assembly votes on the proposal.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Nora L. Duncan

AARP CT, State Director

Posted by Tom Connolly

TELL GOV. SCOTT WALKER TO %$&*$#&^!

GREATER HARTFORD CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL PRESIDENT

 PEGGY BUCHANAN SAYS LET'S ALL GO DOWN TO STAMFORD

 ON MAY 20 AND TELL SCOTT WALKER WHERE TO GO! HOPE

YOU CAN JOIN AND AND HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE...

HERE ARE DETAILS

The Anti-Middle Class Agenda of Scott Walker Has Not

Yielded Positive Results For Wisconsin Families:
Join Us On Monday, May 20th in Stamford

• 4:45pm–Gather at the Metro North Train Station At the Corner

of Washington Blvd and South State St.
• 5:20pm–March to the Stamford Hilton Hotel, 1 First Stamford Place.
• 44th In the Nation for Job Creation

WALKER'S LEGACY--

• 44th In the Nation for Job Creation

• A Declining Middle Class
• Stagnant Wage Growth.
• Elimination of Workers’ Bargaining Rights
• Appointee Sentenced To 2 Years In Prison for

Stealing 20K From Veterans.

That’s Not Leadership.
That’s a Mess.

Posted by Tom Connolly