iSpeak on PAF Donation

Seeing our get out the vote efforts help our endorsed candidates win in close elections is a concrete reason for me to give to our PAF. It shows that those resources can really make a difference. Many of our candidates face opponents with fat pocketbooks. Too often, the candidate with the biggest bankroll speaks the loudest. With a bigger PAF we can help level the playing field in elections, so that each candidate's message can be equally heard by the voters.      

Patricia Kenney
Staff writer
1199SEIU
New York City

Need better healthcare, Social Security, pension-protection, and labor-friendly members in Congress.

Austin Ted Paulnack
Retired
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY

As a recent retiree, I am very much concerned with the prospect of benefits being cut.  I've worked in the healthcare system for 41 years, and during my years of working I did indeed contribute to the political action program.  Whatever it takes, we as a people must do all we can to stem the deterioration of our benefits and all we have won through past political actions.

Saundra Maynard
Retired MRT
Bronx-Lebanon Hospital
New York City

I haven't contributed myself because I think that all politicians are dirty. Pataki promised a raise to certified home health aides. In seven years working with Sunnyside Homecare, I only have seen a 30 cents raise and a 25 cents retroactive to one year. According to the Daily News, Dennis Rivera spent 2 millions in restaurants, fancy hotels, etc from the hard-earned money we contribute as members...but we don't see yearly raise like is supposed to be done. I don’t trust how the Union will use the Political Action Fund for their own benefit or for the homecare members’ benefit.

Marilyn Ibarrondo
CHHA
Sunnyside Citywide Homecare Project
Queens, NY

I work hard and fairly well, tirelessly at times, for the good of my country and my job. I’m looking forward to my retirement. Because of my contributions to my job and to my country through taxe payments, I believe I deserve a fair retirement. I do not believe anyone should be deprived of his or her retirement security because of a a government budget gap.

Bernadette Jeremiah
North Shore/Long Island Jewish Hospital
Brroklyn, NY

I really feel my $5.00 contribution is all I can afford. Why $10.00? Why not maybe $2.00 more? I think $10.00 is too much.

Debra Wilson
Housekeeping
Brookhaven Hospital
New York NYC