WHEREAS:
AFSCME members are the safety net for at-risk children, abused adults, the mentally ill and developmentally disabled; and

WHEREAS:
The Deficit Reduction Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 2005 (DEFRA) was a “Human Services Destruction Act” that slashed $87 million in federal support to Minnesota for child support, child protection, and adult case management; and

WHEREAS:
DEFRA changed the formula for how it funds child support enforcement programs, resulting in less money to support children and more demand for public assistance; and

WHEREAS:
DEFRA reduced funding for child protection services, leaving more children at risk of violence; and

WHEREAS:
DEFRA reduced funding for state and local government case management service without reduction of mandated responsibilities and encouraged transfers of that funding to private insurance companies, resulting in higher eligibility standards and cuts to services for vulnerable people; andWHEREAS:
Human service jobs represent 30 percent of the work AFSCME members perform and DEFRA will cause irreparable damage to human services infrastructure and our members who faithfully serve the public; and

WHEREAS:
Only a joint campaign by all AFSCME members supporting the political and legislative efforts of our International staff will restore human services.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That AFSCME International will work this session with affected councils to build a veto-proof majority for passage of federal bills, such as H.R. 1386/S.803, H.R. 5613 and H.R. 2642 to restore human services; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME International will work with representatives from affected councils to gather information on the impact of these draconian cuts and to develop tactics to combat further cuts and privatization; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME will utilize various means, including online member networks and AFSCME meetings and conferences to advance these efforts; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That AFSCME International will coordinate the joint political action of AFSCME councils to repeal DEFRA.
 
 
SUBMITTED BY: Mike Buesing, President and Delegate
Mary Falk, Secretary and Delegate
AFSCME Council 5
Minnesota