Unions launch $2M campaign to oppose federal budget cuts harming families

The Facts -

Representing a collective workforce of over 8.3 million, major unions including AFSCME, AFT, NEA, and SEIU are spearheading a campaign to combat federal budget cuts affecting working families.

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

WASHINGTON – A coalition of major unions, namely 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 launched a strategic initiative titled "Put Families First". This campaign aims to challenge moves by billionaires that threaten public services and propose substantial tax cuts for the wealthiest. With a membership exceeding 8.3 million, comprised of essential workers such as nurses, educators, and sanitation workers, the unions aim to amplify the voices of those who experience the direct impact of these financial decisions.

Proposed federal budget reductions target key public services and programs like Medicaid, prioritizing tax reductions for billionaires. Many states depend heavily on federal funding, with an average of one-third of their budgets sourced from these dollars. Without this support, critical institutions like hospitals, schools, and community centers face potential shutdowns, significantly affecting millions of families.

Public service employees nationwide have dedicated the past four months to raising awareness, engaging in dialogues with colleagues, organizing town halls, and reaching out to congressional representatives. Their efforts are now intensified as they focus on 17 pivotal congressional districts through a $2 million media campaign, highlighting the human repercussions of potential budget cuts.

AFSCME President Lee Saunders remarked, “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 added, “Our unions represent the people who make a difference in the lives of others – and the public services they provide are in grave danger because of the reckless and chaotic cuts of Elon Musk and the Trump administration. Their goal is the gutting of the schools and hospitals that help working Americans have a shot at a better life. And for what? To pay for tax cuts for billionaires. These ads send a message to Congress about the human toll of the administration’s attacks and make the convincing case that it’s time to put families, not ultra-wealthy donors, first.”

National Education Association President Becky Pringle stated, “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. We refuse to be silent. Over 8.3 million workers who have dedicated their lives to educating our students and building stronger communities are standing together to sound the alarm on these reckless cuts Trump is pushing so he can pay for tax giveaways to billionaires. Educators will continue organizing, mobilizing, and growing the movement to put families first.”

April Verrett, President of SEIU, emphasized, “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 providers, whose roles are threatened by the potential budget reductions. These narratives will be shared across targeted congressional districts through various media channels, including television and social platforms.

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