Even though the budget the Connecticut General Assembly is expected to pass before the close of the legislative session tomorrow does not include many of the investments they’d been advocating for, Recovery for All Coalition members are vowing to keep up the fight.
Recovery for All is a statewide coalition of nearly 50 community organizations, labor unions, and faith groups united in a long-term mission to eliminate Connecticut’s extreme racial and economic inequalities.
Speaking outside the State Capitol today, Senator Jorge Cabrera told ralliers, “I want to encourage you to not give up and keep pushing.”
Cabrera is in his first term as a state senator, and he said that since his election last fall, he’s learned tough lessons about the legislative process.
“I’ve only been here a little while,” he said, “but one thing I’ve learned quickly is how much work it takes to make sure working peoples’ voices are heard in these halls.”
Puya Gerami, campaign director for Recovery for All, said that one area where the coalition has seen a win is in the expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit. The credit, which provides a tax break to low- and moderate-income working individuals, particularly those with children, is being expanded in the budget compromise that is expected to pass the General Assembly.
Cabrera assured Recovery for All Coalition members that he and other legislators who have been champions of the cause have been working day in and day out and plan to continue fighting for the needs of all Connecticut residents next legislative session. Cabrera told the crowd their efforts had made a difference and urged them to keep up their advocacy.
“When we’re up at the Capitol we get your texts, we see your emails, we know what you’re doing,” he said. “We’re on Facebook and Twitter checking in constantly between votes. Keep fighting because it makes a difference.”
“Our advocacy will continue beyond this legislative session,” said CEA President Jeff Leake. “Many legislative wins take years to achieve, and our passion for ensuring that the state makes meaningful investments in our students, families, and communities will carry our efforts forward.”
