Sharpton sides with union in New York medicaid cuts

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.laborradio.org/node/5404

Sharpton sides with union in New York medicaid cuts - 03/05/07

By Jesse Russell

The battle between New York Governor Eliot Spitzer and the union representing health care workers as well as a major hospital trade group inflamed last week. Spitzer has proposed $1.2 billion in Medicaid cuts and has asked the Service Employees International Union 1199 and the Greater New York Hospital Association to step up and absorb some of the costs. 1199 has found an ally in its ad campaign. Rev. Al Sharpton, who in the past has supported Spitzer, recorded an ad that criticizes the decision:

: 7 seconds from commercial

Spitzer said in an email to supporters that the cuts are “critical, because it finally breaks the long cycle of insider deals and special favors in the state Capitol.”


AUDIO story here: http://www.laborradio.org/files/lo/winsheadlines.ram

[BayCityProgressive]

1. wow surprise surprise

more cuts for the poor to pay for the rich. When will the rich finally have to pony up? I had hopes Spitzer would be a different kind of Democrat.

[aquart]

3. I was assuming he'd be a Democrat.

I don't know WTF this is.

[aquart]

2. I cannot believe that Spitzer has the flaming balls

To put out an ad telling me that UNIONS are "special interests." It sounds like a Republican attack ad.

I don't know the ins and outs of the legislation or cuts he's proposing, but I HATE the sneering ad.

[Fovea]

4. Real Headline

Popular former State Atty Genl ends career in first term Gov Gaffe!

Amazing lack of realpolitik on Mr. Spitzer's part. I am astounded by the apparent elitism and lack of concern for working New Yorkers.

Things like this stop careers.

[BayCityProgressive]

5. He sounds like my governor

Granholm. She sucks too. Sold workers down the river and is now making all kinds of new cuts and fees for the working class. The new "Dem" gov in Colorado just vetoed a union rights bill. Do we even have any clout in the party anymore?