For Immediate Release: March 18, 2013

contact: Ann Marie Taliercio 315-415-2735 herelocal150@igc.org

Sequester Budget Cuts Impact Community

The Central New York Area Labor Federation (CNYALF), AFL-CIO, is sponsoring a press conference at NYSUT, 4983 Brittonfield Pkwy, East Syracuse, NY at 10:30AM on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 to address the impact of the congressional budget sequester on New York State and our community. The press conference will feature: Ann Marie Taliercio, President, CNYALF Laurie Black, District Director for Congressman Dan Maffei Jerry Lotierzo, Chair, Alliance of Retired Americans Rick Noreault, Legislative & Political Coordinator at CSEA Central Region 5. Chris Ryan, Legislator, Onondaga County William Spreter, Board Member, NYSUT Retiree Council 7 Each of the speakers will address the significant impact these budget cuts can have on different aspects of our economy and community. This press conference is part of a National Day of Protest organized by the AFL-CIO, including state federations and central labor councils; Americans for Tax Fairness; and the Alliance for Retired Americans, with similar activities in 75 communities across the country to demonstrate to lawmakers and citizens that there are real consequences to the massive budget cuts called for under sequestration. "These budget cuts adversely affect workers through layoffs and furloughs," said Ann Marie Taliercio, President of the Central New York Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO. "But, they will also have a much wider impact on our community with cuts in government programs and services, many of which provide assistance to those who are most vulnerable: children, the elderly and disabled, and even homeless veterans." Instead of slashing spending on federal services and programs that benefit America, we should be creating jobs, improving the economy by investing in infrastructure, education, raising wages, reducing inequality and increasing economic security for working people. The Central New York Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, represents 80,000 union members in the six counties surrounding Syracuse, New York. Go to www.CNYLabor.org for additional information.