NOTE: If your zip code does not list an event use 98531 for CENTRALIA; use 98003 for FEDERAL WAY; 99022 for Medical Lake; 98272 for MONROE; 98584 for SHELTON; 98498 for STEILACOOM; and 97597 for YELM

JOIN US ON SAT APR 18

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A minority of state senators is blocking funding of public employee contracts. That’s why public employee unions are coordinating #PublicServiceMatters events this Saturday, April 18.

Our state values the quality public services we all rely on, and the people who proudly provide them

State employees are people who keep our communities safe, care for the elderly and disabled, teach and protect our children, maintain our roads and transportation system, and provide other essential services. They are our friends, neighbors, customers and family members.

Public service workers have not been given a pay raise in seven years

After negotiating a modest cost-of-living raise with the Governor, public service workers are facing a minority of state senators who are choosing to blocking funding for state employee contracts. The governor, the House of Representatives, and a clear bipartisan majority of senators (29 out of 49) all support fully funding state employee contracts. But a minority of senators is blocking it. Even worse, they have proposed cutting 20,000 state employees’ spouses off of their health coverage.

These state senators’ actions are jeopardizing public services. Our ability to provide a quality education, to care for all kids and seniors, and to keep our communities and environment safe and healthy depends upon a quality workforce.

Public service workers deserve fair pay

Throughout the recession, our state government asked state employees to do more for less, with the promise that in the future, things would get better for them and their families. For seven years, state employees have not had a general pay increase, but the cost-of-living has continued to rise so these families have had to cut back.

The public supports state employees and the services they provide

The latest Elway Poll finds that a strong majority in Washington say they oppose balancing the state budget on the backs of state employees again — saying they were “opposed” or found it “unacceptable” to continue to deny raises.

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