AFSCME members rally against federal budget cuts threatening services

AFSCME Members Rally Against Proposed Federal Budget Reductions

In an effort to combat significant federal budget reductions targeting essential public services, AFSCME members have mobilized to challenge the proposed cuts. These cuts, pushed by certain lawmakers, aim to reduce federal spending by $1.5 trillion, a move intended to facilitate tax cuts for billionaires such as Elon Musk. The implications of these reductions are particularly stark for programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which serve as lifelines for many Americans.

Recently, a contingent of child care providers from the United Domestic Workers of America/AFSCME Local 3930 (UDW) made their way to Capitol Hill. This visit marks their second in recent weeks, as they strive to ensure these critical programs remain funded. Charlotte Neal, a UDW member and child care provider from Sacramento, joined the effort, emphasizing the importance of Medicaid for her clients who depend on it to afford child care. Her concerns extend to the future of SNAP as well.

Neal participated in a rally near the Capitol, where she was joined by pro-worker Senators including Raphael Warnock, Chris Murphy, and Richard Blumenthal. During the event, she stated, “I am in Washington, D.C., today because anti-union extremists and billionaires want to take away the Medicaid and SNAP benefits that working families need to care for their kids. They say they want to make these cuts to force people to work. But let’s get real — these cuts hurt working people most.”

Highlighting the real-world impact of these budgetary changes, Neal argued that the proposed $880 billion cut to Medicaid could leave up to 80 million Americans without necessary care. Such drastic measures could also destabilize state and local budgets, leading to job losses and an economic downturn.

Neal further criticized the motivations behind the cuts, asking, “Why do they want to cut Medicaid, SNAP and other public services? To give themselves $4 to $5 trillion dollars in tax cuts.” She urged consideration of alternative uses for such funds, suggesting investment in public services as a more beneficial option.

The broader agenda of the anti-union lawmakers, according to Neal, includes efforts to dismantle labor laws protecting union membership rights, as outlined in the Project 2025 initiative. In response, she emphasized the necessity of collective action: “We’re not going to let that happen. We’re getting organized, and we’re fighting back.” She encourages involvement in AFSCME’s Get Organized campaign, which aims to unify members in defense of their rights and services.

With a growing collective voice, AFSCME members stress that working people deserve more than mere survival; they aspire to thrive in a fair and supportive environment.