AFSCME - “Cause for Cautious Optimism”

Washington, DC — “News that the jobless rate declined to 9.7% in January is cause for cautious optimism, but far too many Americans are still out of work and too many jobs are still at risk.

“Congress must act now to save nearly a million jobs in 2010 as state governments struggle with a $178 billion shortfall this year. Failure to invest in states and communities means the vital services Americans need during tough times will be cut to the bone. Governors and state legislators are making budget decisions now for the next fiscal year. They need help now to keep streets safe, children educated and families in good health.

“Investing in jobs with targeted support for states and local governments will put people back to work, pave the way for economic recovery and help provide the vital public services that protect communities during these troubled times.”

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