Sisters and Brothers,

Arcy Baca, Joel Villarreal, Pat Gutierrez, Andrew Padilla and I had a good meeting with Governor Richardson yesterday about the 7.6% agency cuts.  He understands that we have been patient and very cooperative during this process and expressed his appreciation.  He understands that these cuts will have a negative hit on the services our state provides and will undoubtly lead to furloughs of 1 day per pay period for larger departments and 1 day per week for smaller departments.  It may also lead to layoffs.

From what we spoke about I do not think we wants the 7.6% cuts because of the reasons above, but some cuts are probably neccessary.  Possibly around 4% or less for all or most departments.

We can not let up now, please continue to make calls into the Governors office, 505-476-2200.  If you have already called, call again and get as many friends, family, and co-workers to make calls as well. 

There are no promises of a veto, but we should not stop making the calls.

Josh Anderson

AFSCME Council 18
505-266-2177 work
505-266-3155 fax

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