Not all groups share tax revenue loss burden

I think all of us should applaud Iowa AFSCME for the way the union responded to Iowa's loss of tax revenue. To recall, state revenues will be down by at least 10 percent. This public-sector union not only reduced some hours but also reduced pension benefits, thereby retaining some service hours. Note the contrast to the judicial system, which cut service hours to match all its budget cuts.

Those of us on Social Security will not see any benefit increase this year and many will pay more for drug coverage with the reduction in Medicare Advantage coverage. Many in the private sector also will see their pay frozen and benefits cut.

One wonders why the recession's effects can't be felt more uniformly across Iowa. I hear of no discussion about our public universities cutting pay or benefits, just increasing tuition. Our Linn County supervisors' have already gone on record expecting their pay/benefits to increase. Since their benefits already exceed those in the private sector (also note the Area Education Agency administrators' benefits cited in the Dec. 20 Gazette), these benefits would be a prime area where sacrifices could be made to share the burden.

It's time we ask our public directors to share our pain.

Juergen Bruckner

Cedar Rapids