State Employee Comments that Appeared in the Oakland Press

"As a state employee, but not an SEIU member, I appreciate Phil Thompson's insightful comments. I, too, believe in shared sacrifice and continue to be willing to do my part. I have experienced a wage freeze, had the contract I work under re-opened to address financial compensation because of the economic downturn and have also been laid off as a result of a reduction in workforce. I accept all that as my part in helping my state get back on the road to financial health.

What I really resent are the anti-state employee comments by those who either are uninformed or choose to ignore what Mr. Thompson--and now I--have just explained.

At a time when our citizens need state services even more, these folks rale about the big bucks we workers supposedly get. These same folks would rather bash state workers, including teachers than give up their ideology that says "Union bad, corporations good" and "Government is evil. Period."

And don't even get me started on the Senate leadership that fans that flame while ducking their responsibility to work with the House and the Governor to adopt a budget in a timely and professional manner.

Phil Thompson and SEIU have consistently balanced the interests of its members with the interests of Michigan citizens and if you can't see that, history surely will."