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Two Women from AFSCME Local 2666 attended the CLEAR Coalition’s Rally for a Responsible Budget in Harrisburg on May 3. Kathy Fatica, former president, and Carolyn Beck, current president, hopped on one of the 3 buses that left Erie that morning. They were among approximately 5000 working people who gathered on the capitol steps to make their voices heard to protest Governor Corbett’s draconian budget cuts.

The CLEAR Coalition, which stands for Coalition for Labor Engagement and Accountable Revenue, is composed of labor groups from throughout Pennsylvania. Included are the PA AFL-CIO, AFSCME, ATF Pennsylvania, APSCUF, PPFA, SEIU, UFCW, and PSEA.

The goal of the rally was to highlight the devastating cuts proposed by Corbett in the 2011 budget. This same budget gives away millions of dollars to corporations in the form of tax loopholes and tax free considerations. Corbett’s budget is NOT shared sacrifice, but rather a devastating hit to the working families and middle class of Pennsylvania.

Corbett’s cuts will hurt local municipalities, public education at all levels, the elderly, property taxes, the level of services provided to our communities, and so on. Working families, children, and our most vulnerable citizens are making all of the sacrifices. Meanwhile, corporations and multinational gas drilling companies are not paying their fair share.

Both Kathy and Carolyn were excited about the huge and vocal turnout in Harrisburg. They were glad to have been a part of this powerful force. Labor will be heard as this debate continues, and AFSCME is at the forefront of the movement.

To See Photos from the Rally: CLICK HERE

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