On Saturday, May 31, over 200 CSEA SEIU Local 2001 members made their voices heard loud and clear at the Connecticut State Capitol during our powerful and action-packed CSEA Day. With just four days left in the legislative session, members from across the state boarded buses, marched to the Capitol steps, and rallied together to demand bold leadership in the face of a manufactured fiscal crisis.

TAKE A LOOK AT PHOTOS FROM THE DAY!

Chants like “Governor, Governor, hear our call! Fiscal roadblocks hurt us all!” echoed across the Capitol lawn as members called on lawmakers to declare a fiscal emergency and take immediate action to remove the outdated and harmful fiscal guardrails blocking desperately needed investments in our state. The rally focused on what working families need now: healthcare for childcare providers, fair wages for paraeducators, and fully funded contracts for state workers.

After the rally, members took their fight inside the Capitol. Armed with pens and personal stories, we filled out letter after letter to legislators—and we were ready and waiting as House members arrived for their Saturday session. Every lawmaker who entered the building heard our message: Connecticut has the money. It’s time to spend it on the people who keep this state running.

And just ten minutes before the event began, we got wind of a last-minute attack: Republican legislators were trying to remove municipal and paraeducator workers from the state’s Paid Sick Day law. But thanks to the immediate and organized action of our members inside the Capitol—who made sure every lawmaker knew exactly what was at stake—that attempt was defeated before it could take hold. Every single legislator who walked through the doors heard: “Do not take away paid sick days from public workers.”

After a long day of action, members gathered back at the union hall to reflect and recharge—over a well-earned taco dinner. It was a celebration of our solidarity, a reminder of our collective power, and a commitment to keep fighting.

CSEA Day wasn’t just a rally—it was a declaration. We will not be ignored. We will not be divided. And we will not rest until Connecticut’s budget reflects the needs, dignity, and worth of the people who make this state work