Support Ulster County workers

This campaign is meant to persuade members of the Ulster County Legislature to restore the jobs and services slated to be cut in the proposed 2010 Ulster County Budget. CSEA members employed by Ulster County deliver quality services across the county. Balancing the budget on the workers’ backs won’t just hurt them; it’ll hurt anyone who counts on the services CSEA members deliver.

Tell me more

Talking Points

*Ulster County’s financial issues were not caused by the rank-and-file employees who make the county run.

*The real reason for Ulster County’s financial troubles is the irresponsible fiscal mismanagement involved in the construction of the new county jail, a fact Ulster County Executive Mike Hein has publicly admitted.

*Closing the Ulster County Community Corrections Program will eliminate a valuable tool that allows for the rehabilitation of lower level offenders who do not belong in jail and saves the county money on much costlier incarceration.

*At a time when demand for county services is at an all time high, cuts in staffing could impact the quality of services residents receive.

*If you are an Ulster County CSEA member, please feel free to customize the letter to describe how cuts will impact your job or department.

Subject:

Dear [ Decision Maker ],

(Edit Letter Below)

I am writing to encourage you and your fellow members of the Ulster County Legislature to restore the jobs and programs that are slated for elimination in the proposed 2010 Ulster County Budget.

It is unfair to balance the budget on the backs of county workers when they bear no responsibility for Ulster County's budget problems. It is also unfair to close quality programs such as the Community Corrections Program, a service that offers rehabilitation to people who do not belong in jail and saves Ulster County money on incarceration costs. The irresponsible fiscal mismanagement that led to huge cost overruns in the building of the new jail is no excuse for laying off county workers at a time when the need for county services is at an all time high. It is also no excuse for depriving residents of a program like CCP, which benefits both taxpayers and participants. Additionally, there are serious costs involved when workers are laid off. Taxpayers still have to account for paying out leave accruals, unemployment insurance, and COBRA costs, among other things. The projected savings aren't what they seem.

As a legislator, you have the power to restore items in the budget. I'm encouraging you to make the right decision and restore county jobs and programs. Cuts in jobs and services are not what Ulster County needs at this time!

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]

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