The Coalition for Labor Engagement and Accountable Revenue (CLEAR Coalition), a broad-based coalition for labor organizations representing over 1.1 million hard working Pennsylvanians, advocates for a balanced approach to budgeting that makes sound public investments, provides essential services to Pennsylvanians, and includes sustainable and accountable revenue for critical government infrastructure.

The CLEAR Coalition is ready to work with all parties to ensure the state budget is not balanced on the backs of Pennsylvanian's working families. The CLEAR Coalition supports long-term revenue solutions, instead of relying only on dramatic cuts to essential public services and consumer protections.

"Working families across our state are suffering from the severe economic downturn. They expect their elected officials to stand up for them and do the right things by adopting a common sense budget that protects public safety, provides services to the most vulnerable among us and promotes Pennsylvania's economic recovery," said Rick Bloomingdale, President elect of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO. "Cutting essential services and public protections is not the answer to our budget crisis, instead we support enacting common sense revenue enhancements and a fair tax structure."

"Pennsylvania cannot cut our way to prosperity," said David Fillman, Executive Director of AFSCME Council 13. "Pennsylvania already has the second lowest number of state employees per capita. Over the past 3 years there have been dramatic cuts to the state budget. The focus should change to closing tax loopholes and ending special interest tax breaks."

"It is time working families have a voice in the state budget. The CLEAR Coalition unites over 1.1 million hard working Pennsylvanians in support of a fair budget," said Kathy Jellison, President of SEIU Local 668 another member of the Coalition.

CLEAR advocates a balanced approach and common sense tools that will improve efficiency, promote accountability, protect families and pave a faster and more sustainable path to prosperity.

For more information, please contact Rebecca McNichol, State Director of the CLEAR Coalition, at 267-239-3399 or visit www.clearforpa.org.

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