Saturday, February 26, 2011

Stand Up For Ohio

There are several organizations springing up around Ohio to let Republican lawmakers know that we are against SB 5.  Join in and voice your opposition.

Here is some vital information from ProtectOhioFamilies:

SB-5 Myth vs. Reality

Myth: SB-5 is needed to help balance the budget and stimulate job growth.
Reality: SB 5 destroys jobs and lowers wages. You cannot create jobs by destroying jobs. If SB 5 passes, owners of shops, gas stations and other small businesses across this state will be forced to lay off workers or close their doors.

Myth: Public employees are overpaid, and their salaries need to be brought in line with the private sector.
Reality: A recent Rutgers University study found Ohio public employees earn 6 percent less on a yearly basis than their peers in the private sector. They earn 3.5% less on an hourly basis.
The average OAPSE (Ohio Association of Public School Employee) makes $24,000 a year and retires with an average pension of $900 a month. Public employees do not pay into or receive Social Security.

Myth: Public employees need to make a sacrifice to reduce the state’s projected $8 billion budget shortfall.
Reality: Ohio is 44th of 50 states in per capita spending on government workers. State employees have taken a pay freeze five times in 9 years. In the last contract, state employees voluntarily took furloughs and made other financial sacrifices that saved $250 million and an additional $100 in health care costs.

Myth: Public employees have too much power and the public agrees.
Reality: A recent Gallup poll found the 61% of the public oppose taking away some collective bargaining rights of most public employee unions.  A recent Quinnipiac Poll found that only 34 percent of the people in Ohio support this proposal.

Myth: Rolling back collective bargaining rights is needed to help managers do their jobs.
Reality: Ohio passed a law in 1983 to establish collective bargaining for state workers. The 1983 law has reduced labor strife, and increased professional training and productivity.

ProtectOhioFamilies has vital details on where your help is needed and how you can
help: Take Action .

Other info:

* You might want to visit this page on Facebook: Recall Ohio Governor John Kasich.

Cleveland Leader has an article about a town hall meeting in Cleveland on Sunday, February 27th:

State representatives and other legislators from across the Cleveland area will be holding a Town Hall meeting on the anti-middle class, anti-union Senate Bill 5. It will be held at P.J. McIntyre's Irish Pub in Cleveland on Sunday, February 27th beginning at 2pm.

State Representatives Mike Foley, Nickie Antonio, Sandra Williams, and Timothy DeGeete will be on hand, in addition to State Senator Mike Skindell.
Town Hall Meeting on Senate Bill 5
Sunday, February 27 - 2 p.m.
P.J. McIntyre’s Irish Pub
17119 Lorain Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44111


* Call your state senator and tell them vote "NO!" on SB 5: 888-218-5931.

Visit the Facebook page: Say No to Senate Bill 5-Protect Those that Protect You.