AFSCME Retirees Urge Action to End Shutdown, Lower Health Costs

AFSCME Retirees Rally to End Prolonged Government Shutdown

The ongoing government shutdown, which started on October 1, has prompted AFSCME retirees to mobilize, demanding legislative action to reduce health care expenses and ensure funding for public services.

During a recent tele-town hall, Dawn Bundick, a member of AFSCME Retirees Chapter 52, highlighted the pressing nature of the situation. She pointed out the potential consequences if Congressional inaction leads to the expiration of Affordable Care Act tax credits at the close of 2025, as stipulated by the "Big Beautiful Bill." This expiration could result in increased health care costs and reduced access to services.

“This shutdown and the looming health care crisis are going to hurt our communities — especially seniors,” Bundick stated. “Here in Alaska, if the Affordable Care Act tax credits are not extended, more than 22,000 Alaskans will face huge premium spikes of more than 114%.”

Bundick, who has served the Anchorage community for 43 years as a professional licensing investigator and spent a decade as president of the Alaska State Employees Association (ASEA/AFSCME Local 52), joined over 100 other AFSCME retirees in Washington, D.C., for a council meeting and lobbying day. Their mission was to convince Senate and Congressional leaders to conclude the shutdown, lower health care costs, protect federal employees, and allocate funds for public services.

In her address during the tele-town hall, Bundick encouraged collective action: “None of us can do this alone … and that’s why I’m asking you to take a minute of your time now to call your senator’s office and tell them to end this shut down,” she urged. “Like me, you served your community, and you didn’t stop fighting for what’s right just because you retired. Please take a minute to make your voice heard.”

AFSCME President Lee Saunders echoed this sentiment, rallying retirees to remain resolute in their efforts.

“Instead of putting retirees and working families first, the administration and its yes men and women in Congress have forced a government shutdown that is threatening our health, workers’ jobs and essential public services,” he said.

One consequence of the shutdown is the delay in releasing crucial government data, including the annual Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) announcement for millions of recipients. The COLA is typically determined based on inflation metrics such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which has also been postponed.

The event also featured former U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, a steadfast supporter of working families and retirees, who joined the call to action.

AFSCME's "Get Organized" initiative, or AFSCME GO, was launched to combat the Trump administration's policies and their potential impact on public services, retirement security, and critical programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security.

“Already, AFSCME retirees are powering the campaign,” Saunders noted. “You all know how to get results. You are our most passionate activists, and that’s why I’m counting on you again to be the tip of the spear.”