State's largest employees union rails against budget cuts

The state's largest public employees union is pushing back against the budget cuts proposed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

Members of AFSCME Council 5 rallied at the state capitol Wednesday, two days after the Republican governor unveiled his plan to solve a $1.2 billion deficit.

Union leaders say the deep spending cuts will results in massive layoffs and reduced government services. Executive Director Eliot Seide said AFSCME supports tax increases for wealthy individuals and corporations.

"How much can we take just to protect the governor's rich friends? It's time that the wealthy in this state just pay the same fair taxes as everyone of us. If they did that, we'd be able to fill big holes in this budget," Seide said.

Pawlenty opposes any tax increases. Earlier this week, he said his budget would result in an unknown number of layoffs. Pawlenty said government can't be insulated from the job losses being felt throughout the private sector.

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