City workers have helped to ensure that Wednesday’s victory parade for the Lakers won’t come at the cost of taxpayers and residents who need services.“I love the Lakers, but I’m glad that the parade won’t cut into the services we provide,” said LA Traffic Officer Shaun McCorry-Phillips. “I’m hopeful that city workers and city officials can solve the budget crisis to make sure that services continue year-round and workers can continue to support their families.”
Some of the Lakers’ biggest supporters are the city workers who will make sure Wednesday’s parade is clean and safe for families and fans–Traffic Officers, Street Services and Sanitation crews, among others.
But with Angelenos suffering in this economic crisis, SEIU and its Coalition partners called for private funding to pay for the parade.
“With the City facing huge deficits not just this year but for the foreseeable future, business, government, city workers, and residents all need to work together to share in the solutions,” the Coalition said in a statement today.
Mayor Villaraigosa has said that the parade will go forward but that he’s seeking private funding. Media have reported that AEG, which owns Staples Center and LA Live, will pick up the balance of costs.
SEIU members are also e-mailing the City Council and Mayor directly. Click here to email top City leaders about real budget solutions.