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Letter to Representatives in support of the FY 07 Continuing Resolution

January 31, 2007

Dear Representative:

On behalf of the 1.4 million members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), I urge you to vote in support of H. J. Res. 20, the FY 07 Continuing Resolution (CR), which would provide FY 07 continuing appropriations for the remainder of this fiscal year.  AFSCME supports this FY 07 appropriations bill because it would increase funding for education, HeadStart, public housing, law enforcement, health care, and other vital public services.  Although more funding is needed for many vital public service programs, this bill improves upon the current CR developed by the leaders of the 109th Congress.  AFSCME will continue working to increase investments in public services in the FY 08 appropriations.

            This CR and its funding increases are required because the 109th Congress saddled the new leaders of the 110th Congress with an expiring CR that underfunds key public services.  Given the CR's upcoming February 15 expiration date and potential overlap with the FY 08 process, AFSCME recognizes the need to act quickly and move on to regular order.  Under these circumstances, AFSCME commends Chairman Obey and congressional leaders for appropriating all $463.5 billion available under the budget caps.  Although some resulting increases are modest, states and localities need all possible help to overcome rising costs and increasing demand for services.

 AFSCME is particularly pleased with the $300 million increase for the Public Housing Operating Fund.  This will help Public Housing Authorities address unexpectedly higher energy and utility costs.  Similarly, AFSCME supports the increased investments in education, including $103.7 million for HeadStart, $125 million for Title I, and $200 million for Special Education.  The $109 million increase for Byrne Justice Assistance formula grants and $70 million increase for COPS will help states and localities meet public safety needs.  The $206.9 million increase to Community Health Centers and the $197.1 million increase to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund will help America's families access health care and healthy drinking water. 

 AFSCME urges you to support this Continuing Resolution to ensure states and localities can deliver needed services to America's working families and impoverished residents.  We look forward to working with you in the future to address existing shortfalls through the FY 08 budget and appropriations process.

Sincerely,
Charles M. Loveless
Director of Legislation

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