AFSCME President condemns Congress for budget cuts impacting services

The Facts -

The recent passage of a budget reconciliation package by the House has sparked significant concern, particularly from public sector unions and advocates. The package's implications for essential services have come under scrutiny as it suggests significant reductions in several critical areas.

Concerns Over Public Service Cuts

AFSCME President Lee Saunders has voiced strong opposition to the proposed budget changes. According to Saunders, the budget aims to redirect federal resources that currently support Medicaid, child care, food assistance, and other crucial services. This redirection, he states, is intended to benefit the wealthiest individuals through tax breaks.

"Today, Congress again passed a budget framework to gut Medicaid, child care, food assistance and other vital public services. This has everything to do with funneling federal dollars for public health, safety and education into tax breaks for billionaires," said Saunders.

Response from AFSCME Members

AFSCME members have been actively engaging with their local communities and government representatives to challenge these proposed changes. They have been participating in town hall meetings, contacting their congressional representatives, and organizing efforts to defend public services.

Echoing the commitment of AFSCME members, Saunders emphasized their determination to hold legislators accountable: "AFSCME members see through their schemes and are ready to fight back. For months, they have been packing town halls, calling their members of Congress and getting organized in defense of their communities. These anti-worker legislators can try to run from us, but they can’t hide. We’ll be there reminding them that they are supposed to represent us, not billionaires."

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