Alexandria Times Letter to the Editor: THURSDAY, MARCH 18 2010
By Cedar Dvorin
To the editor:
I’m writing about Gov. Bob McDonnell’s appalling budget and with appreciation to the letter to you from Lucero Beebe-Giudice (“Social service isn’t a perk in a democracy, it’s required,” March 4, 2010).
Because of my concern for Virginians, I sent this letter to my state delegate and senator: “You won’t be surprised to learn how upset anyone (who cares about other people) is about the new governor’s proposed budget amendments. People of good will surely will support a temporary progressive income tax increase to help balance our budget.”
The governor’s budget means least wealthy, frailest among us will have vital services reduced and lead to sicker, more desperate residents. People will be unnecessarily placed in nursing homes and perhaps become homeless. It does not make sense to cut cost- effective home and community-based services for older adults in Virginia and have them end up in hospitals and nursing homes.
Among the items I saw: Funding reductions for local departments of social services and a number of social service programs, such as general relief for low-income adults, companion services for adults who need assistance in living and other services to abused, neglected, or exploited adults and children.
Also troubling is the elimination of funding for local dental services in local health districts. Living in Virginia and in a civilized society means that those who can pay a fair share of the cost should take care of those who need help. We need common sense and compassionate leadership from the Virginia legislatureto get through this troubled time. The governor and many legislators seem to have forgot what “Commonwealth” means. Let’s remind them!
Women demand respect for women’s rights and immigration reform that keeps families together.
Alexandria, VA – Over one-hundred women, children and a few intrepid fathers turned out for an afternoon march for women’s rights on Saturday, March 6, 2010. Carrying signs declaring “Women deserve a fair wage,” and “Women for Immigration Reform,” the band of community activists wove through the streets of the “Chirilagua” neighborhood in Alexandria. They chanted “What do we want? We want our rights respected,” to the honks and cheers of passing cars. The march ended at the Cora Kelly Recreation Center, where Tenants and Workers United held the first community meeting of the year.
Alexandria Times
THURSDAY, MARCH 4 2010
By Lucero Beebe-Giudice
To the editor:
As Battalion Chief Morehead said, “a fair wage for a fair day’s work” is not a perk (“Taking care of civil servants,” February 25, 2010). Neither are health and human services like libraries, clinics, recreation centers and firefighters that keep our community healthy, educated and safe. Rather, they are the tenets of democracy.
Our elected officials’ job is to administer our resources to benefit society and if necessary to fight for the funds required to keep us on the road to progress.
Unfortunately, the response to another year of budget troubles is to rely on the same old ideas — raise the real estate tax, cut and close. In making these decisions, we are presented with a false choice between a fair wage for firefighters and health care, libraries and social workers.
The truth is that Alexandria and the Commonwealth have the money, our decision makers just choose to spend it on other things.
The people paid over $19 billion in income taxes last year while corporations paid $1.9 billion. Yet, this year the governor chose to spend $50 million to attract potential business instead of investing that $50 million in city firefighters, health care and libraries. Instead of following that same old broken model, Alexandria’s City Council must create jobs and raise revenue while fighting for the funds needed to build and staff libraries, public clinics and hire the fourth firefighter needed on each fire crew.
Here’s the story that aired on WAMU, 88.5 last night about the event. Highlights include Ronnie one of the Culmore Crew who talks about the importance of events like this to demonstrate that Daylaborers are vital part of our communities that have a lot to contribute. Also Pastor JP from the Culmore United Methodist Church speaks about the commitment Daylaborers have to their community. Lisaten here:\”Day Laborers Clear Sidewalks In Virginia\” WAMU 2/17/10
Day Laborers Seek to Create Connections with the Community through Service and Civic Engagement
When: Wednesday February 17, 2010
Time: 12:00-2:00pm Community Clean-Up
2:00-4:00pm Civic Engagement Workshop and Lunch
Where: Meeting at the corner of Glen Carlin Road and Leesburg Pike in front of 7-Eleven
Who: Tenants and Workers United, Culmore United Methodist Church, National Day Labor Organizing Network, Daylabors from across the DC metro region.
Why: “At this time of economic crisis, the administration is trying to back out of the commitment it made to pass immigration reform,” says Lucero Beebe-Giudice, spokesperson for Tenants and Workers United, “But, it’s tough times like these when our government must bravely act to create solutions that allow everyone that is part of our community to fully participate in rebuilding our economy. Without immigration reform, millions of workers are prevented from giving all they can to our country and we all pay the price.”
“Despite the obstacles that day laborers face – work place abuses, discrimination, and wage theft – they remain committed to America. In addition to filling critical jobs, day laborers continue to work for the prosperity of our communities through community service days and ongoing activities throughout the year, with the hope that one day they might be able to participate fully in the American Dream.”
For More Information Contact: Lucero Beebe-Giudice: 703-684-5697*313 or Carmen Hernandez: 703-801-0016.
Hard decisions face the city council as it works to resolve the budget shortfall going into next year. How the City Council chooses to spend our hard earned tax money will demonstrate the kind of community we live in. Families are the foundation of our community and many families are struggling to survive this economic crisis. More than ever, they rely on the Health Department, Department of Human Services, recreation centers and libraries to make it through this tough time. Our representatives must strive to preserve these necessary services and to keep our recreation centers and libraries open. ACPS demonstrated that it is possible to keep our schools on the track to success despite budget challenges; it is possible to solve these problems with a balanced approach that stays true to our community’s values. I urge City Council to do the same. A quick review of the City’s Strategic Goals reminds us that the education, health and safety of our community are priorities. Our city expenditures must reflect those priorities.
Elsa Riveros
President Board of Directors, Tenants and Workers United
President Obama declared that, “America must always stand on the side of freedom and human dignity.” He talked about how America supports the struggle for equal rights around the world and the need to unite around American values that include family, hard work, and being a good neighbor. He challenged Congress to address “the burdens that America’s families have been dealing with for decades.” At the same time he glanced over the continued struggle for dignity and the American dream for immigrants in the United States today and he sidestepped leadership around this important issue.
His brief mention of immigration system was trite and couched in conservative bravado, But, it did demonstrate two things: 1) his administration has not forgotten the power of the immigrant and Latino vote, and 2) that he is not sufficiently wary of the consequences of inaction to take a leadership position on immigration reform.
Continuing to ignore oppressive immigration laws that effectively dismantle communities and put workers at the mercy of unscrupulous employers is just not practical. Like it or not, immigrants are workers, and workers are a cornerstone of American communities. The immigration system must be fixed in order to build a strong economy and establish America as the true world leader for human rights and dignity.
Tenants and Workers United is working in Northern Virginian communities who are committed to fighting for just and humane immigration reform that can make America strong. In the coming months they will continue to call on their representatives, organize their communities and build a movement to support Congressional leadership on immigration reform. Call Jaime to get involved: 703-801-9052.
