Government Shutdown Threatens AFSCME Jobs and Public Services

The mounting pressure on working families due to a looming health care crisis is compounded by a significant increase in health insurance premiums, affecting over 22 million people. This situation is further exacerbated by the challenges hospitals and health centers face as they struggle to remain operational.

Amidst these challenges, a government shutdown has been initiated, driven by the administration and its supporters in Congress, who are prioritizing tax benefits for affluent individuals and large corporations as part of the "Big Beautiful Bill." This decision is anticipated to have repercussions for AFSCME workers.

Public sector entities, including states, counties, and municipalities, are already grappling with budget deficits. The impending loss of federal funding threatens their ability to maintain essential services.

Several AFSCME members' jobs are at risk, including:

• Safety inspectors responsible for enforcing workplace safety regulations at the state level.
• Disability Determination Service staff who assess eligibility for Social Security disability benefits.
• Head Start employees providing vital education and nutrition to children from low-income households.

The duration of the shutdown will determine the extent of the impact on programs reliant on federal funds. For instance, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is projected to sustain benefits through the end of October. However, a prolonged shutdown could lead to suspended benefits.

Additionally, numerous AFSCME-affiliated federal employees are experiencing the immediate effects of the shutdown through furloughs.

The urgency for Congress to allocate government funding and address the health care crisis is critical. It is imperative to cease the jeopardization of health, employment, and community well-being.