Skip to main content

AFSCME members, governor fight the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ in Maryland

AFSCME President Lee Saunders with Maryland members/Photo credit: Karina Sarango
AFSCME members, governor fight the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ in Maryland
By AFSCME Staff ·
Tags: Priorities Medicaid Medicare State & Local Budgets
AFSCME members, governor fight the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ in Maryland
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore/Photo credit: Karina Sarango

COLLEGE PARK, Md. – AFSCME President Lee Saunders, AFSCME Council 3 President Patrick Moran and AFSCME Maryland members joined Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Comptroller Brooke Lierman to discuss the effects that the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” will have on working families. 

At a town hall on Tuesday, they also talked about strategies to lessen the damage caused by the new law and how to protect public services for Maryland’s communities. 

Maryland relies on federal funding for nearly one-third of its state budget. It could see over 200,000 people lose health coverage due to Medicaid cuts in the law. And 57,000 Marylanders — including many children — could lose food assistance because of it.  

This comes as a cost-of-living crisis is making it more difficult for working families, while yes-men in Congress continue to escalate their war on workers. They’re rigging the system in favor of greedy corporations who don’t need another dime. 

AFSCME President Lee Saunders used the meeting to galvanize Maryland’s workers. 

“This is an all-hands-on-deck moment,” said Saunders. “Our government has been taken over by billionaires and Project 2025 fanatics. They’re rolling back our workplace safety, shredding collective bargaining agreements and firing thousands of federal workers, including AFSCME members, many right here in Maryland.”    

Image

AFSCME President Lee Saunders (left) with AFSCME Council 3 President Patrick Moran/Photo credit: Karina Sarango

Now that the “Big Beautiful Bill” is law, said Saunders, “we are getting organized and building the power to hold anti-worker politicians accountable and protect our communities.” 

AFSCME members fought to protect Maryland’s hospitals, schools, infrastructure and more from devastating funding cuts. And working with Moore, AFSCME members continue to fight to protect Maryland’s public services and retain the staff and resources necessary to make these services happen. 

“Unions never stop fighting for what they believe in — you are the boots on the ground,” said Moore, listing the victories that unions have won in Maryland. 

Backpay to state workers that had been illegally withheld. Minium wage increases and increased wages for states employees. Passing collective bargaining rights for state supervisors and library workers.  

“In Maryland, we are going to continue to lead with our values. We are going to continue to stand with our unions. And we are going to continue to protect our people — our unions will help to lead the way.” 

AFSCME Council 3 President Patrick Moran, an AFSCME vice president, emphasized how important it is to have pro-worker state leaders who defend and protect our communities from hostile federal decisions. 

“We’re proud to have Governor Wes Moore and Comptroller Brooke Lierman as partners in Annapolis to ensure that Maryland’s public services are protected and the people who provide them are respected,” said Moran. “We look forward to continue working with [them] to fulfill their promises of expanding collective bargaining rights in Maryland, ensuring fair and productive contract negotiations between workers and management, and improving wages and staffing levels across the state.” 

Join us in the fight to Get Organized.    

Related Posts