Equity Agenda calls for Revenue to Fund Human Needs

As the state legislative session heats up, a coalition of over 60 organizations has joined forces to support a “life saving budget” for basic needs of workers and communities that addresses systemic racism and economic inequalities. The Recovery for All Coalition (RFA) rolled out its Equity Agenda at a press conference at the State Capitol.

“We are all members of one big human family. We have not been taking care of each other,” said RFA organizer Puya Gerami. “Grandparents getting evicted. Cousins can't get care for lack of health insurance. 2023 must be the year for equity. The year to reconstruct Connecticut by building one Connecticut for all.”

“How can the wealthiest state have residents struggling amidst a historic crisis of need? ” asked Pastor Rodney Wade of Waterbury. “Hundreds of thousands of working families struggling to stay afloat?“ Calling the situation heartbreaking, he said, “The Equity Agenda speaks to funding our future for our children, for the residents of our state. We have the capacity, will we find the courage to do it?”

Rossana Garcia Ferraaro representing Husky for All underscored healthcare disparities for the immigrant community. “Three are 5.9 % with no health insurance. For undocumented residents there are 58% with no health insurance,” she said. “Health care is a human right. The Equity Agenda leaves no one behind.”

State Rep Kate Ferrar of West Hartford asked, “Why in our wealthiest state are women of color struggling to make ends meet,” She emphasized that “Working people contribute four times in annual income of the ultra rich.” Citing the Equity Agenda she said, “Insure the wealthiest pay what they owe and not expect working families to subsidize their share. Raise taxes on millionaires and billionaires. We have a chance to re-write the rules to be a state where everyone can truly thrive.”

Telling his own personal story of working long hours yet living in poverty, State Sen. Gary Winfield said,”We are one of the richest states in the richest nation in the entire world. It makes no sense that people are barely surviving, suffering.” Recalling his own experience Winfield said, “Nothing was wrong with me. I just wasn't getting paid what I was supposed to get paid.”

“Equity requires revenue,” said Winfield, “ to right the wrongs of the past.”