Urgent Update on Obama Recovery Plan

February 04, 2009

A special update from AFSCME Legislation Department director Chuck Loveless on the Obama “American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan” legislation that is now in the Senate.

I have been in this business for more than 25 years, and never has there been a more urgent situation for public service jobs—and the entire economy. President Obama's economic recovery plan — legislation that helps Main Street — is in trouble.

That's why we’re asking everyone — that means you — to make a call right now to your Senators. We have set up a special system so all you need to do is click on this link and enter your cell phone number to make your call. Tell them to vote YES for President Obama's "American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan."

I've heard from AFSCME members across the country who are fighting furloughs, layoffs, and other cutbacks while at the same time dealing with a crushing demand for services. Meanwhile, Wall Street executives have given themselves record bonuses. That's an outrage. The Obama legislation will create jobs and jumpstart the economy. It will also save public service jobs by providing billions of dollars in aid to state and local governments for Medicaid, education, law enforcement, transportation, unemployment insurance operations and other vital public services.

Republicans and Democrats alike should support Obama's bill. Yet not one Republican voted for it when it passed in the House last week. Now there is an organized conservative campaign to stop it in the Senate. Rush Limbaugh has said outright that he hopes Obama "fails."

As you read this, Senators are deciding how they are going to vote. Your Senators need to hear from you now. Please click here right now to call your Senators.

As AFSCME's Legislation Director, I talk with members of Congress every day. I can tell you for a fact that your calls make a difference.