1199SEIU healthcare workers joined Citizen Action of New York, SEIU Local 200 United, and community allies on the regional “Nuns on the Bus” tour of Syracuse on August 22 in protest of the Romney/Ryan Republican budget cuts to Medicare and Social Security.



Members of the local faith community, Catholic nuns and priests, and their supporters came specifically to protest against Rep. Ann Marie Buerkle’s (R) support of the Romney/Ryan budget; which would have devastating effects on the working poor, elderly, and the most vulnerable members of our community.



At the last stop at the Federal Building, participants were thrilled to be greeted by a sea of people wearing purple 1199 t-shirts, and cheering in support. After this inspiring rally the “Nuns on the Bus” presented their “Faithful Budget” to Rep. Buerkle.



Sister Pat Bergan of Saint Lucy’s Church urged the representative to vote against the Romney/Ryan budget: “I ask you, Congresswoman Ann Marie Buerkle, as a graduate of Saint Joseph School of Nursing; whose mission is to follow the gospel message and to be at one with the poor and marginalized, to consider your vote and vote against the Romney/Ryan budget. If this budget does go through, many of our friends and neighbors here in Syracuse will have drastic cuts to their services.”



1199SEIU-endorsed Democratic candidates Dan Maffei and Al Stirpe were also in attendance to stand with the sisters. Maffei is running against Buerkle for Congress in New York’s 24th congressional district this November, and Al Stirpe is running for NY State Assembly in District 127.