The First Step in Remaking America

January 27, 2009

In his inauguration speech last week President Barack Obama said, "starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America." AFSCME could not agree more. That's why we launched our Make America Happen petition two weeks ago and why are mobilizing our members to support the Obama economic recovery plan. This week, the House is expected to vote on this plan, officially called the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The full Senate vote is expected in the next couple of weeks. The act, crafted by President Obama and Congressional leaders, focuses on addressing immediate economic needs, creating jobs and investing in the infrastructure America relies on for a strong recovery. It will also invest in America's families and our workforce by ensuring that states can fund the services they depend on, including health care, public safety and education. We are calling on AFSCME members to sign our petition today. Please join this campaign. We need to turn the page on the failed economic policies of the past and pass the Obama economic recovery plan — and reject any effort to cut state aid in the package. Together we can make America happen — again.