On Saturday, May 4th, the Connecticut State Capitol was alive with the voices of over 500 activists, including 100 dedicated members of CSEA, who gathered to demand crucial fiscal changes. This rally, part of the 2nd Annual CSEA Day, was held on the last Saturday before the end of the legislative session and showcased a powerful coalition of faith, labor, and community groups.

The event, themed "Guardrails Against Growth: Rally for Progress," kicked off with a diverse set of multilingual speakers, including CSEA child care provider, Maria Reyes, who highlighted the pressing issues at hand: childcare, affordable housing, healthcare, and the detrimental impact of the current fiscal guardrails on these critical areas.

The speakers brought personal stories and professional insights, emphasizing the urgent need for legislative action. They called for adjustments to the fiscal guardrails to reflect economic realities and meet community needs. Maria in particular moved the crowd with her remarks on the importance of investing in our children:

Los proveedores de cuidado infantil necesitan una inversión mínima de 1.50 millones de dólares para transformar el cuidado infantil para las familias de CT, ¡para que los padres puedan trabajar y tener un cuidado infantil asequible!

Todos los padres... los trabajadores... los proveedores y los miembros del sindicato tienen un interés común... lograr lo mejor para sus hijos.

El cuidado infantil debe ser una industria de calidad que sea una profesión respetada y que sea tratada con dignidad que aborda nuestras necesidades, como el acceso a una atención médica asequible.

Hoy luchamos juntos, a través de diferentes títulos de trabajo, pero como UN sindicato, porque somos UNA SOLA voz, gracias a todos por estar aquí para levantar esta lucha.

###

Child care providers need a minimum investment of $1.5 billion to transform child care for CT families, so that parents can work and can have affordable childcare!

All parents…workers…providers and union members have a common interest… achieving the best for their children.

Child care must be a quality industry that is a respected profession and is treated with dignity addressing our needs such as access to affordable healthcare. 

Today we fight together, all with different job titles, but as ONE union, because we are ONE voice, thank you all for being here to raise this fight.

After the rally, CSEA members returned to the union hall with their families for a celebratory gathering. The atmosphere was festive, with a delicious taco feast that fostered camaraderie and connection. This event provided a unique opportunity for members from various councils to interact, break down barriers, and build stronger relationships. Child care council members in particular took the opportunity to strategize and plan with one another for the upcoming year of fights. 

The 2nd Annual CSEA Day was not just a demonstration of solidarity and a call for legislative action but also a celebration of community and unity. It highlighted the power of collective action and the importance of continuing the fight for a fair and just society. By coming together, CSEA members and their allies are not only advocating for immediate changes but also paving the way for a better future for all.