AFSCME Urges Members to Oppose Budget Cuts and Protect Public Services

AFSCME Urges Action Against Proposed Budget Cuts

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) is rallying its members to combat proposed federal budget cuts that threaten essential public services. These potential cuts, following a budget package passed by the Senate, are designed to benefit wealthy individuals with substantial tax breaks, according to AFSCME.

The House of Representatives is poised to consider its own budget proposal in the coming week. This proposal is anticipated to include significant reductions to vital programs such as Medicaid, which currently constitutes 56% of federal funding for state budgets in 2024. More details on the Senate's budget package can be found here.

AFSCME President Lee Saunders has expressed strong opposition to these budgetary changes, stating, “This budget is inhumane. If cuts to essential services are enacted, children in public schools will go hungry. Retirees who depend on Medicaid and Medicare will lose health care. Families on SNAP will have to choose between groceries and rent. Emergency calls will go delayed or unanswered. Lifesaving public services will again come to a screeching halt, all so billionaires can hoard even more wealth.” Saunders’ full remarks are available here.

According to AFSCME, the House plan aims to cut $2 trillion from programs that support working families, children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, while proposing $4.5 trillion in tax benefits for the wealthiest. The repercussions of such cuts could be severe, potentially leading to food insecurity for children and families due to reductions in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and jeopardizing health care for seniors and low-income families due to Medicaid and Medicare cuts. More information about the proposed cuts can be found here.

To counter these developments, AFSCME has launched its Get Organized campaign, urging members to contact their congressional representatives and advocate against the proposed cuts. The campaign emphasizes the importance of maintaining public services and protecting the rights and job security of public service workers.

Members and supporters are encouraged to actively participate by reaching out to their representatives and voicing their concern over the budget cuts and tax breaks. To join the effort, individuals can call their representatives using the resources provided by AFSCME here.