AFSCME Mobilizes Against Medicaid Cuts Threatening Public Services

In a significant move to preserve essential healthcare services, AFSCME members are organizing a day of action on Wednesday. This initiative aims to prevent substantial reductions in Medicaid funding that could have far-reaching impacts on public health and service workers.

Recent plans by certain congressional lawmakers propose cutting federal Medicaid funds as part of a broader tax and budget strategy. The intention behind these cuts is to facilitate large tax breaks for billionaires. Such actions threaten to adversely affect millions of Americans and undermine the infrastructure of public services and the workers who provide them.

Medicaid plays a crucial role in supporting healthcare facilities like hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. According to data from KFF, Medicaid covers one in five Americans, including over 40% of births in the country.

Federal contributions to Medicaid represent the largest portion of federal funding for state budgets, comprising 56% of the federal funds allocated to states in 2024. If these funds are reduced, states may be forced to implement budget cuts affecting various public services, including jobs in home care and healthcare sectors.

Impact on D.C. Public Services

In addition to Medicaid, AFSCME District Council 20 members in Washington, D.C., face potential budget cuts from Congress. Over $1 billion of the city’s taxpayer funds are at stake, threatening to impact a wide range of public services, from education to emergency services.

Such financial reductions could lead to significant setbacks for D.C. residents and public service workers, potentially resulting in job losses, furloughs, and hiring freezes, particularly among essential front-line workers.