Unions have cause for fear

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Universal health care is part of the Constitution



01/09/11 9:00 PM

Unions have cause for fear

New census figures released recently show state revenues declined by nearly 31 percent in 2009, a $1.1 trillion loss. Underperforming investments by state pension funds and declining tax revenues were cited as the primary causes for the falling revenues.

Nicholas Johnson, director of the State Fiscal Project at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, told the Washington Post that next year will mark “the most difficult budget year for states ever.” A recent study by the group found that 40 states have projected budget gaps totaling $113 billion for next year. Forty-six states have raised taxes and made deep cuts to close a combined budget gap of $130 billion.

And the Republicans are now trying to spoil life for unions by taking away their right to bargain. They are also trying to push through several measures that would make it harder for unions to collect dues money to be used in politics or just to run the unions generally.

Unions are very alarmed right now about what’s going on.

Ted Rudow III, MA