CWA - New Jersey

Stop the Layoffs, Hands Off Our Benefits

Once again, New Jersey legislators are trying to score cheap political points by scapegoating state workers for New Jersey's financial problems. Even though we addressed these issues in last year's negotiations, some legislators are beating the drum for new cuts in pensions and health care.

We need your help to stop these attacks. Urge your representatives in the State Senate and Assembly to respect the collective bargaining process and to reject Governor Corzine's proposed workforce reductions.

Talking Points

Personalized letters have a bigger impact. If you have the time, please add your own comments to our sample letter below.

Subject:

Dear [ Decision Maker ],

(Edit Letter Below)

I'm writing to you about the recent proposals to cut state workers' jobs and benefits to solve New Jersey's budget problems.

As both a public employee and a concerned citizen, I firmly oppose these unfair and ineffective plans. State workers shouldn't have to pay the price for our state's financial woes. We provide crucial public services to all New Jerseyans, and many departments are already understaffed and overworked. Implementing Governor Corzine's proposed workforce reductions will only make matters worse, depriving residents of important educational, health care, and recreational services.

In addition, the idea of cutting state workers' benefits is outrageous. We negotiated significant changes to our benefits last year, and the Legislature must respect the outcome of the bargaining process.

These proposals would do little to solve the budget gap of $2.7 billion. Governor Corzine's layoffs would save less than $20 million. Rolling back N/55 for new hires would save less than $17 million a year--five fiscal years from now. And raising the retirement age from 60 to 62 would save virtually nothing.

There are better alternatives to these cutbacks. Tax reforms like increasing the income tax on the top 10 percent of households and closing corporate tax loopholes would raise hundreds of millions of dollars. These kinds of policies would provide long-term solutions to our budget woes, not the short-term band-aids contained in Governor Corzine's budget.

I urge you to reject these attacks on New Jersey's public workers, families, and communities.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]

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CWA - New Jersey

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Stop the Layoffs, Hands Off Our Benefits

Talking Points