AFSCME Letter to the U.S. House Opposing H.R. 1

Dear Representative:

On behalf of the 1.6 million members of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), I am writing to urge that you oppose the Fiscal Year 2011 Continuing Resolution (H.R. 1). H.R. 1 would irresponsibly slash federal spending, cutting more than $58 billion from the FY 2011 budget and will result in the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs. In these tough economic times, we cannot focus cuts on those who can least afford them – working families, children and the elderly.

The worst recession since the Great Depression has resulted in this next fiscal year shaping up to be the states’ most difficult budget year on record with 44 states and the District of Columbia projecting budget shortfalls totaling $125 billion. Now is not the time to restrict investments in critical state and local government programs that support jobs and services, including health care, education, transportation and social services, that are critical to working families struggling to be self-sufficient.

It is important to note that one-third of non-security discretionary spending grants are in the form of aid to state and local governments. The proposed cuts in H.R. 1 would have a devastating effect on the ability of state and local governments to deliver vital public services.

The fiscal path forward must be driven by the goals of creating jobs and strengthening our nation’s economy rather than indiscriminately cutting services. States have slashed budgets and reduced services already to address budget shortfalls, even with federal assistance. When states cut spending, they lay off employees, cancel contracts with vendors, eliminate or lower payments to businesses and nonprofit organizations that provide direct services and cut benefit payments to individuals. In all of these circumstances, the companies and organizations that would have received government payments have less money to spend on salaries and benefits, further draining states’ economies.

I urge you to oppose H.R. 1 in order to protect and promote economic recovery and job growth.

Sincerely,

Charles M. Loveless

Director of Legislation