Attention All MEA-Represented Park and Recreation and Library Department Employees: Your Union Needs You!

As most of you are aware, the Mayor’s FY 2012 Budget proposal recommends deep cuts to both Park and Recreation and the Library departments. These proposed cuts would decimate the services you currently provide to the public by cutting 77 positions in each department for a total of 154 positions! Hours at the libraries and recreation centers would also be slashed by 50% and valuable programs that enhance the quality of life for our residents would be eliminated.

MEA needs you to join together as a coalition of concerned employees representing the interests of two very vital City departments. In order to stop these cuts from being implemented, we must speak with one united voice at the upcoming budget hearing on Thursday, May 5^th, 2011, in the Council Chambers located on the 12^th floor of CAB. The Park and Recreation Department budget is scheduled to be discussed at 9:00 a.m. followed by the Library Department at 10:30 a.m. MEA is asking that you take up to (3) hours of leave time so that you can attend and testify on behalf of both of these departments.

Your testimony is critical in educating the City Council about the true impacts of these cuts to both the personnel and the public. If you cannot attend the meeting, we urge you to ask a spouse, family member or neighbor to come down and speak on your behalf. Your union cannot do this work alone! We need you to show up and speak up to make sure that the City Council and Mayor hear it loud and clear from the employees that this budget roulette game must stop! If you have any questions, please contact Cathleen Higgins at chiggins@sdmea.org.