Unions Launch "Put Families First" Campaign Against Federal Budget Cuts

More than 8.3 million workers are represented by AFSCME, AFT, NEA, and SEIU as they launch the “Put Families First” campaign to emphasize the detrimental effects of federal budget cuts on working families.

The initiative kicks off with a $2 million advertising and mobilization effort.

Campaign Launch Against Federal Budget Cuts

WASHINGTON – A coalition of major unions, including the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the National Education Association (NEA), and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), has initiated the “Put Families First” campaign. The campaign is a response to proposed budget cuts perceived to be in favor of massive tax breaks for billionaires, at the expense of public services. The unions, which collectively represent over 8.3 million members, aim to highlight the impact of these cuts on essential workers such as nurses, educators, and sanitation workers.

Proponents of the budget, described as anti-union extremists by the campaign, are advocating for cuts that could severely impact public services and programs like Medicaid. This funding is crucial, as federal allocations constitute about a third of state budgets. The potential consequences include the closure of hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and community centers, affecting millions of families.

Mobilizing Against Budget Proposals

Public service workers have been vocally opposing these budget proposals for months through various activities, including organizing town halls and engaging with Congress. The new campaign will now intensify efforts by focusing on 17 strategic congressional districts with a $2 million media and mobilization campaign to illuminate the human cost of these proposed cuts.

AFSCME President Lee Saunders commented, “Congress’ proposed budget plan will spell disaster for working families and hurt our economy. These budget cuts don’t just threaten Medicaid or food assistance; they put all of us at risk. From overcrowded hospitals to underfunded schools to short-staffed prisons, our communities will pay the price – all so billionaires can get richer. We’re fighting back to protect public services and the essential work we do. Congress must stop the cuts.”

AFT President Randi Weingarten echoed these sentiments, stating that the cuts jeopardize the crucial services provided by their members, arguing that they are, “...the gutting of the schools and hospitals that help working Americans have a shot at a better life.” She emphasized that the campaign's ads aim to convey the message to Congress about the human toll of these budget decisions.

Educators and Healthcare Under Threat

NEA President Becky Pringle highlighted the threat to education, noting, “Across the country, educators do everything in their power to support every student, ensuring each student feels safe, seen, and is prepared for the future. Meanwhile, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and their MAGA allies are working to cut Head Start for over 800,000 kids, closing local hospitals so rural families will have to travel long distances to get care, and ballooning class sizes in public schools across America – all so they can enrich themselves.” She confirmed the determination of 8.3 million workers to organize and mobilize against these cuts.

SEIU President April Verrett stressed the importance of Medicaid, stating, “Medicaid is a lifeline for working people. Congress is trying to rip that lifeline away to fund billions in tax breaks to the ultra-rich. Slashing Medicaid means seniors losing home care and kids missing out on the care they need. Let’s call this what it is: stealing from everyday people and giving handouts to billionaires. That’s why SEIU members and our allies are calling a Code Blue on Medicaid, because lives are on the line.”

The advertising campaign will feature stories from AFSCME, AFT, SEIU, and NEA members, including educators and healthcare workers, to illustrate the direct impacts of federal funding cuts. The unions plan to disseminate these narratives through various media channels, including television, streaming platforms, and social media.