Possible layoffs prompt rally

Local leaders, small business owners, and state employees rallied Wednesday in Salisbury because they fear that budget cuts will lead to layoffs for state workers.

Among those in attendance was Charleita Stanley, who tells 47 ABC that the cuts could threaten state employees’ lifestyles, “The threat in 2% cuts in the budget would basically threaten people’s livelihood.”

The 2% cut amounts to $118-million of the 2016 budget, that would not go to state agencies and universities.

“We’re rallying out here today because we want everyone to know that the community and the small businesses have to bridge this gap.” Said Deborah Williams, the President of AFL-CIO.

It’s funding that Salisbury Mayor Jim Ireton feels needs to stay where it in order for the state to continue to do right by its hard workers.

“Our country 100 years ago rewarded work and today we don’t.” And “I think at this point, when we decide in the state of Maryland, the richest state in the nation, that we’re gonna balance this budget on the backs of public employees, services matter.”

The rally, organized by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, was one of four in Maryland today.

Similar rallies took place in Baltimore, Hagerstown, and Landover Hills, with workers concerned about the future of their jobs and communities.

When asked about it’s overall impact, Mayor Ireton said, “Well, it’s two-fold, you’re going to have a reduction in services for some of these places like the department of corrections or DMV, or social security.”

“If you’re being cut in your paycheck, then you’re not able to afford as much that you were able to afford before in the community.” Said Stanley.

But with the budget already passed, each state agency already knows it will be getting less money next year.

So for the AFSCME Union, the hope is to meet with each agency to forge a way forward, without layoffs.