Government Cuts Budget on the Backs of Working People

ANSWERLA is holding a rally on Tuesday 9/15/09 to protest government budgets cuts in Long Beach. California. But this is happening all over the country in government at all levels. California recently cut back state employees hours forcing them to work less days and without pay. Meanwhile spending continues as we see hiring for new positions posted. The following is an email sent out to members.

Long Beach politicians want to pass a city budget on the backs of working people and students. On Sept. 15, the City Council will vote on a budget to gut much-needed social programs. Join us at a rally and speak out that night to stop the cuts. Then join us at the Council meeting. Make your voice heard!

This budget is no different than what's happening at all government levels. This year, we've seen trillions handed over to rich bankers and corporations, while millions of people lose jobs and homes. California has suffered the worst, with $15 billion in cuts to social programs--all done under the pretext of "not raising taxes." This means not raising taxes on the banks and corporations that have robbed working people.

Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster and City Manager Pat West are using the same pretext to eliminate library services/programs for children, to furlough city workers, to abandon substance abuse programs, and to eliminate homeless services, while refusing to cut the repressive LBPD's budget by even one penny. It is time to fight back and demand that the rich shoulder the burden of the crisis they created!

Taking the Struggle to City Hall

For several weeks, Long Beach community members, students and activists have been speaking out at City Council meetings. Here's what some have said:

"Why is half of our budget dedicated to the police? Why can they make six figures doing overtime, yet a teacher can’t even get half of that? And what have they done? They have executed mentally disabled men like Roketi Su’e, imprisoned witnesses that videotaped the execution, and shut down entire communities to hide their crimes. I think there are some fundamental problems here, but they are being masked by propaganda about 'security' and safety. But what will provide more 'security' than rights? A right to a job. A right to a home. A right to healthcare. A right to education. There are alternatives to eliminating social services. We don’t need to eliminate programs being destroyed by the state budget, the city can take them up or make similar or better programs to take their place." --Douglas Kauffman, 21, CSULB student, life-long Long Beach resident and ANSWER activist

"I am a full time student and worker. I was born and raised not too far from this very building. It is unfathomable to me how politicians like you can get six figure salaries, while you are preparing to cut social services that are needed by working people who don't make six figures in even 5 or 10 years of backbreaking work. You say 'we will not tax the people,' and yet what you really mean is that you will not tax the banks and corporations." --Orlando Pardo, 20, Cerritos College student, Long Beach resident and ANSWER activist

Join us this Tuesday to defend people’s needs! People from all around Southern California are encouraged to come. No cuts to social services!

Initiated by Communities United For Justice, the ANSWER Coalition and the Party for Socialism and Liberation.

Long Beach Rally to Stop Budget Cuts
Defend People's Needs! Fight Back!
This Tuesday, Sept. 15, 5pm
Corner of Pacific Ave. & Ocean Blvd., Long Beach
(Behind the library)