Zabdiel “Zab” Martinez helps some of the neediest people in Dane County, Wisconsin, sign up for federal assistance so they can eat and get health coverage.
The AFSCME Council 32 member is an economic support specialist. He helps single mothers trying to stretch every dollar just to keep the lights on. He helps laid-off workers who need help to get back on their feet. And he aids retirees who will go hungry because they can’t afford their groceries.
The budget bill that passed the House of Representatives by one vote is a big, cruel bill that will leave millions of people hungry and without health care. That’s because it will devastate the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, and other public services our communities need.
On Wednesday, Martinez took part in an an online “teach-in” event organized by U.S. Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts along with Pennsylvania Rep. Summer Lee, Protect Our Care, the Center for American Progress, and the Food Research and Action Center, to fight the bill and explain its harmful effects.
Martinez and others asked senators to reject the bill, pushed by anti-union extremists in the House.
“I am worried about how this bill will hurt all working people, but especially those who I serve every day: people who rely on programs like SNAP to put food on the table and Medicaid for their health care,” Martinez said in prepared remarks.
“Let’s call this budget what it is: a massive giveaway to billionaires at the expense of our futures. More than 15 million people stand to lose their health care and another 3.5 million could lose food support, all so billionaires can buy more yachts. It’s shameful,” he added.
Martinez urged senators to listen to those who will be hurt the most if the House bill becomes law as written. And he had an urgent message for Americans: Get mobilized and involved in the fight against the so-called “big, beautiful bill,” which, in reality, is big, ugly and horrible.
“I urge you to speak up, write to your senators, and demand that they stand with working families, not billionaires,” Martinez said. “This fight is not over, and we will keep telling our stories until every senator knows what’s at stake.”
Martinez and a host of other AFSCME members have also come to Washington to urge their members of Congress face-to-face to reject the budget bill. Here is a story about Martinez’s visit to Capitol Hill.
AFSCME members, we must do our part to persuade the Senate to stop these attacks on lifesaving programs, public services, working people and retirees. Text GO to 237263 to get alerts and learn how you can join the fight and Get Organized.