For IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, January 24, 2008

McEntee “Extremely Disappointed” by Stimulus Deal

Statement of AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee

— “It is extremely disappointing to hear that Congress is considering a band-aid, half-hearted solution to the economic crisis we’re facing. Congress will be making a big mistake if they pass an economic stimulus deal that ignores the needs of state and local governments. Rebate checks alone are not going to address the crisis facing families who rely on unemployment insurance, food stamps and Medicaid programs. More and more states every day are facing budget shortfalls and new Medicaid regulations are about to shift more costs to the states at a time when they can barely afford to meet current needs. State and local governments need immediate help or they will be forced to raise taxes or cut services, either of which would cancel out any positive effects from rebates.”

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

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