The following statement may be attributed to Juan Hernandez, District Leader of 32BJ SEIU Connecticut:

“Last night the General Assembly failed the entire state of Connecticut by passing a Republican budget that assaults the working and middle classes — as well as all women, the elderly, city dwellers, and college students, among countless others — in order to protect the interests of corporations and the wealthy here in the one of the most economically unequal states in the nation. The Democrats who voted for this cruel and divisive budget should be especially ashamed of their betrayal of their constituents. This budget would doom the city of Hartford to bankruptcy, robs the promise of higher education to thousands upon thousands, foists increased financial burdens on those who can least afford it, eliminates vital health services for young women, and tips the scales in favor of corporations in the financing of elections.

Representative Lonnie Reed — one of the Democrats who should be ashamed of her vote for this budget — got it all too right when she compared the situation to Puerto Rico, because this budget will put us into a downward spiral of crisis like the one the island is currently suffering after undertaking draconian measures that protect thieving corporate interests while punishing the poor, sick, and elderly. Likewise, it’s hard to think of an area in this budget that does not favor the wealthy over every other resident in this state. We applaud Governor Malloy for promising a swift veto, and we will remember those who have been cowed by slick misinformation and refused to support sensible revenue policies that spread the solution to our fiscal crisis fairly. We must do better to remain a state where all our residents can flourish.”

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With more than 163,000 members in 11 states and Washington DC, including 4,500 members in Connecticut, 32BJ is the largest building service workers union in the country.