AFSCME - “The Senate Took an Important Step”

Statement of AFSCME International President Gerald W. McEntee on Today’s Senate Vote Supporting President Obama’s Plan to Revitalize Our Economy

“Working families need help and they need it now. Today, the Senate took an important step in providing that help. We are pleased that the Senate version of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act maintains much of the funding the House approved to help states struggling to maintain the vital public services – such as health care, unemployment insurance and family services – that families and communities rely on in these days of crisis.

“This bill is not perfect. AFSCME strongly supports a recovery plan that creates or saves the highest number of jobs possible. The Senate cut job-creating investments in education and law enforcement. We strongly urge the restoration of these funds during conference negotiations, though not at the expense of the other stimulative public investments already in the bill. It is essential to pass a recovery plan as quickly as possible. We are experiencing the greatest economic crisis in more than seven decades. With each passing day, more workers are laid off, more families lose their homes and more factory doors close. During the last two weeks, AFSCME members have sent more than 40,000 messages – handwritten letters, emails and phone calls – to members of Congress. We will redouble our efforts in the days ahead to push for final passage of this essential legislation.”

AFSCME’s 1.6 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in hundreds of different occupations – from nurses to corrections officers, child care providers to sanitation workers – AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and prosperity and opportunity for all working families.

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American Federation of State, County
and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO
1625 L Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036-5687
Telephone (202) 429-1145
Fax (202) 429-1120