California Paper Publishes Retiree's Op-Ed on State Budget Cuts

CWA retiree leader Addie Brinkley has taken advantage of one of the best tools at any union activist's disposal: Her local newspaper's op-ed page, in which she described how planned California state budget cuts "will decimate services essential to seniors like me."

Brinkley, president of CWA's District 9 Retired Members' Council, secretary-treasurer of CWA's national RMC and a member of the California Alliance for Retired Americans, wrote in the Modesto Bee about traveling to Sacramento for a rally in April with more than 1,500 seniors.

Brinkley said those who could make the trip were giving voice to hundreds of thousands more who will be hurt by cuts to in-home care and Supplemental Security Income. Her op-ed column described their fears, but also looked at the bigger budget picture.

"I didn't go to Sacramento to defend only the programs that affect me, she wrote. "I am also incensed to see children lose health care, to see teachers laid off and to see state parks closed. These cuts affect all Californians, and unless something is done we will feel their impact for decades to come."

CWA encourages union activists to follow Brinkley's lead and make their voices heard by way of op-ed columns and letters to the editor. Check your local newspaper's website for instructions on how to submit materials.