Unions

Why the AFL-CIO Support the Referendum

"The State of Maryland and the District of Columbia AFL-CIO, which represents approximately 300,000 union members and nearly 500 local unions, is supporting the November 2008 ballot referendum to legalize slot machines in Maryland because we are confident that the passage of the referendum will create thousands of good jobs with family sustaining wages and benefits”
- Fred Mason, president of the Maryland State & District of Columbia AFL-CIO

Why AFSCME MD Support the Referendum

AFSCME Backs November Slots Referendum
--Union cites dedication to quality services and looming $700 million deficit as key components in decision--

AFSCME representatives gathered in Baltimore on Thursday to announce their support of the November 4 referendum authorizing 15,000 slot machines at five locations in Maryland. The event also marked AFSCME's Voter Registration Drive kick-off.

AFSCME members strongly believe that the passage of this fall's referendum on slots will help ease the budget pressures that prevent state services from being adequately funded. Passage of the referendum may also help in reducing the state employees staffing crisis. The certain result of failing to pass the Nov. 4 referendum will be reduced services and probably even higher taxes for Marylanders.

"Vital public services have borne the brunt of budget tightening for too long," said AFSCME MD director Patrick Moran. "We're still $700 million away from fixing the budget, and unless we do, we face an incredibly steep climb in trying to ease the staffing crisis while continuing to provide the high quality services upon which all Marylanders depend."

Today's event also kicked-off AFSCME's statewide Voter Registration drive. According to Moran, "This means we're serious about passing this referendum to protect education and other public services. We're backing up our endorsement with action and hard work --to ensure the referendum passes in November."

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) is the largest public sector union in the country with 1.4 million members.