AFSCME Urges Congress to Address Health Care Costs Post-Shutdown

WASHINGTON – The conclusion of the federal government shutdown has drawn a response from AFSCME President Lee Saunders, highlighting ongoing concerns about healthcare costs and public service funding.

“AFSCME members have been clear from the start of this shutdown: we need to lower health care costs and fund public services. Unfortunately, this administration and the Project 2025 ideologues in Congress refused to come to the table to address the health care crisis gripping families across the country. We applaud all of the leaders in Congress who stood up and sounded the alarm about the massive insurance premium hikes affecting millions of Americans. The fight to protect families from these increases is far from over. Now that the government is reopening, we’re calling on members of Congress to keep their promise and hold a vote to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits. Working families cannot afford to wait any longer to lower health care costs.”

According to Saunders, AFSCME members have consistently emphasized the importance of reducing healthcare expenses and ensuring adequate funding for public services. Despite these efforts, there was a lack of dialogue with the administration and certain Congressional factions, notably Project 2025, regarding the critical healthcare issues facing American families.

Praising congressional leaders who brought attention to the significant spikes in insurance premiums, Saunders noted that the challenge of safeguarding families from these financial burdens is ongoing. With the government now operational again, Saunders urges Congress to uphold their commitment by voting on the extension of tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, emphasizing that families cannot continue to endure elevated healthcare costs.