TWO NEW changes in the AFSCME Lobby Day bus schedule is a revised pickup location in Oshkosh and a Madison bus has now been ADDED. The Madison bus will transport lobby day participants from AFSCME Headquarters to the Masonic Temple.
Review the lobby day bus schedule as of 02/26/2010 >>>
Learn more about the AFSCME Lobby Day at the SEPAC website >>>
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
WPRI Report Erroneous About the Wisconsin Retirement System
WPRI Says Public Sector Workers are a Drain on Taxpayers
The right wing think tank; an obvious arm of the Walker campaign, Wisconsin Policy Research Institute issued a report on Wednesday that erroneously spoke about the high value of the Wisconsin Retirement System and public employee pensions. As you read both the report and the summary it makes every public employee’s blood boil. It’s the same mantra about how public employees should work for minimum wage, have no pension and be just like workers in Alabama or Mississippi. The report also said public employees do not deserve the pensions that they get and that they are a drain on the taxpayers.
We have issued a press release and been on talk radio in the Madison area. We would suggest that as your local newspapers begin to report the story that public employees, whether state, county, school or city all respond in kind about the inaccurate information and conclusions made in the report. The real irony of the report is that 3 of the 6 members of the board of directors for this institute are receiving benefits from the Wisconsin Retirement System; they got theirs, but you can’t get yours kind of philosophy.
This is all a prelude to the political elections coming this fall. The only thing missing from this report is the disclaimer on the bottom that it was authorized and paid for by Scott Walker for Governor. There is no coincidence that the findings of the report parrot what Scott Walker has been saying publicly about state employees and their benefits. If there is anyone out there that is a public employee that thinks that Scott Walker will be good for state workers and programs that they are involved in, they need to get their head examined.
Read the AFSCME Council 24 press release >>>
Read the Milwaukee Journel Sentinel news story >>>
Authority: Martin Beil, Executive Director
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO
The right wing think tank; an obvious arm of the Walker campaign, Wisconsin Policy Research Institute issued a report on Wednesday that erroneously spoke about the high value of the Wisconsin Retirement System and public employee pensions. As you read both the report and the summary it makes every public employee’s blood boil. It’s the same mantra about how public employees should work for minimum wage, have no pension and be just like workers in Alabama or Mississippi. The report also said public employees do not deserve the pensions that they get and that they are a drain on the taxpayers.
We have issued a press release and been on talk radio in the Madison area. We would suggest that as your local newspapers begin to report the story that public employees, whether state, county, school or city all respond in kind about the inaccurate information and conclusions made in the report. The real irony of the report is that 3 of the 6 members of the board of directors for this institute are receiving benefits from the Wisconsin Retirement System; they got theirs, but you can’t get yours kind of philosophy.
This is all a prelude to the political elections coming this fall. The only thing missing from this report is the disclaimer on the bottom that it was authorized and paid for by Scott Walker for Governor. There is no coincidence that the findings of the report parrot what Scott Walker has been saying publicly about state employees and their benefits. If there is anyone out there that is a public employee that thinks that Scott Walker will be good for state workers and programs that they are involved in, they need to get their head examined.
Read the AFSCME Council 24 press release >>>
Read the Milwaukee Journel Sentinel news story >>>
Authority: Martin Beil, Executive Director
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO
Thursday, February 25, 2010
AFSCME Wisconsin Lobby Day
March 3rd, 2010
State Capitol
Lobby Day is our chance to walk the walk in the fight against privatization, to stand up for fairness at the bargaining table, and to explain to elected officials that quality public services are essential for economic recovery.
Motorcoach buses will converge on Madison for registration from 9-10 am. We will have you heading home no later than 3pm.
Checkout the SEPAC website for the bus schedules and the lobby day issues:
http://www.wseu-sepac.org/lobbyday_2010.htm
It is not too late to still join the hundreds of AFSCME members who will attend this lobby day. Simply send an email with your name, address and local union number to; info@wiafscme.org or call the AFSCME C11 office at 608-836-6666 if you have any questions!
State Capitol
Lobby Day is our chance to walk the walk in the fight against privatization, to stand up for fairness at the bargaining table, and to explain to elected officials that quality public services are essential for economic recovery.
Motorcoach buses will converge on Madison for registration from 9-10 am. We will have you heading home no later than 3pm.
Checkout the SEPAC website for the bus schedules and the lobby day issues:
http://www.wseu-sepac.org/lobbyday_2010.htm
It is not too late to still join the hundreds of AFSCME members who will attend this lobby day. Simply send an email with your name, address and local union number to; info@wiafscme.org or call the AFSCME C11 office at 608-836-6666 if you have any questions!
Support the Repeal of Minimum Mark-Up Law
The Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans is part of a coalition of community, labor, and business organizations urging the Wisconsin Legislature to pass Assembly Bill 482 (AB 482),which would exempt prescription drugs from the minimum mark-up law in Wisconsin. The enactment of AB 482 would save Wisconsin consumers millions of dollars while also saving significant amounts for people insured by private companies, Medicaid, and Medicare.
At a time when the federal government has yet to pass health care reform legislation, the State of Wisconsin can help to lower the costs of prescription drugs by passing AB 482. Currently, even with the federal Part D RX drug program that started in 2006, the price of prescription drugs has increased at least 8 percent a year. People who are struggling to afford their medications need help now.
Please contact your state assembly and senate representatives and let them know that you support AB482.
Source: Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans
At a time when the federal government has yet to pass health care reform legislation, the State of Wisconsin can help to lower the costs of prescription drugs by passing AB 482. Currently, even with the federal Part D RX drug program that started in 2006, the price of prescription drugs has increased at least 8 percent a year. People who are struggling to afford their medications need help now.
Please contact your state assembly and senate representatives and let them know that you support AB482.
Source: Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans
The Governor Will Continue to Appoint the DNR Secretary
Assembly Fails to Override Governor's Veto of DNR Secretary Bill
The Assembly Democrats, joined by a handful of Republicans, failed to garner the two-thirds vote needed to override the Governor's veto of Assembly Bill 138, which would have removed the Governor's authority to appoint the Department of Natural Resources secretary and handed the authority to the unelected Natural Resources Board members.
The bill passed both the Senate and Assembly last year, but was subsequently vetoed by Gov. Jim Doyle. A veto override requires a two-thirds vote in both the Assembly (66) and the Senate (22). The Assembly vote was 59-39 (counting pairs) with 48 Democrats and 11 Republicans voting to override the veto and four Democrats, 34 Republicans, and one Independent voting to sustain the veto.
Proponents of AB 138, which include environmental and sportsmen groups, argued that allowing the Natural Resources Board authority to appoint the DNR secretary (instead of the Governor) removes the political nature of decision making within the agency.
Opponents of the bill include Gov. Jim Doyle, current DNR Secretary Matt Frank, and business groups. They argued that removing the DNR secretary from a cabinet level position would leave DNR unaccountable and allow unelected bureaucrats to essentially run the massive state agency. Gov. Doyle in his veto message noted that the DNR Secretary is "an integral part of a Governor's Cabinet, playing a regular and key role in interagency projects," and that a secretary appointed by the Governor "ensures a direct line of accountability for citizens concerned about the natural resources policy" of this state.
The Wisconsin State Employees Union was "FOR" the legislative bill.
The Assembly Democrats, joined by a handful of Republicans, failed to garner the two-thirds vote needed to override the Governor's veto of Assembly Bill 138, which would have removed the Governor's authority to appoint the Department of Natural Resources secretary and handed the authority to the unelected Natural Resources Board members.
The bill passed both the Senate and Assembly last year, but was subsequently vetoed by Gov. Jim Doyle. A veto override requires a two-thirds vote in both the Assembly (66) and the Senate (22). The Assembly vote was 59-39 (counting pairs) with 48 Democrats and 11 Republicans voting to override the veto and four Democrats, 34 Republicans, and one Independent voting to sustain the veto.
Proponents of AB 138, which include environmental and sportsmen groups, argued that allowing the Natural Resources Board authority to appoint the DNR secretary (instead of the Governor) removes the political nature of decision making within the agency.
Opponents of the bill include Gov. Jim Doyle, current DNR Secretary Matt Frank, and business groups. They argued that removing the DNR secretary from a cabinet level position would leave DNR unaccountable and allow unelected bureaucrats to essentially run the massive state agency. Gov. Doyle in his veto message noted that the DNR Secretary is "an integral part of a Governor's Cabinet, playing a regular and key role in interagency projects," and that a secretary appointed by the Governor "ensures a direct line of accountability for citizens concerned about the natural resources policy" of this state.
The Wisconsin State Employees Union was "FOR" the legislative bill.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Corporate attacks on pensions are nothing new
Corporate interests that attack retirement security for front-line workers are hardly making news, despite the breathless media attention given reports cranked out by corporate-funded “think tanks”.
“It’s no surprise that wealthy interests are pumping out propaganda to erode support for pension plans relied on by lower-wage workers,” said Marty Beil, executive director of the Wisconsin State Employees Union, AFSCME Council 24. “What’s disappointing is that major media outlets give this propaganda great play, while burying news that paints Wisconsin’s pension system in a positive light,” Beil said.
Read more...
“It’s no surprise that wealthy interests are pumping out propaganda to erode support for pension plans relied on by lower-wage workers,” said Marty Beil, executive director of the Wisconsin State Employees Union, AFSCME Council 24. “What’s disappointing is that major media outlets give this propaganda great play, while burying news that paints Wisconsin’s pension system in a positive light,” Beil said.
Read more...
Friday, February 19, 2010
AFSCME LOBBY DAY…
Lobby Day has been scheduled for March 3rd. As always, this is an important day for as many of our leaders and members to attend and meet with their legislators about key pieces of legislation that affect each and every one of us. There is legislation pending that would impact the vast majority of our members regardless of the department or agency they work in.
One of the big pieces of legislation is SB 477, which significantly limits the state’s ability to contract out our jobs and legitimizes the cost benefit analysis mechanism making sure that contracting out would not spend more money than state employees would cost. Other bills deal with presumption of illnesses for disability, collectively bargaining protective status for retirement and new revenue mechanisms to enhance the state treasury, including bills like AB 504 that would allow the City of Milwaukee to create a sales tax to preserve public parks.
We strongly encourage you and your members to come to Lobby Day. Busses will be provided, along with other modes of transportation. For specifics about bus schedules go to www.wseu-sepac.org. The day is more than state employees, it is all of AFSCME coming together to show a united front on issues that are important to us.
Source: AFSCME Council 24 UIN
Author: Martin Beil, Executive Director
One of the big pieces of legislation is SB 477, which significantly limits the state’s ability to contract out our jobs and legitimizes the cost benefit analysis mechanism making sure that contracting out would not spend more money than state employees would cost. Other bills deal with presumption of illnesses for disability, collectively bargaining protective status for retirement and new revenue mechanisms to enhance the state treasury, including bills like AB 504 that would allow the City of Milwaukee to create a sales tax to preserve public parks.
We strongly encourage you and your members to come to Lobby Day. Busses will be provided, along with other modes of transportation. For specifics about bus schedules go to www.wseu-sepac.org. The day is more than state employees, it is all of AFSCME coming together to show a united front on issues that are important to us.
Source: AFSCME Council 24 UIN
Author: Martin Beil, Executive Director
AFSCME "National Call-In Day" Rescheduled
The AFSCME National Call-In Day originally scheduled for February 10th has now been rescheduled for Tuesday, February 23rd. As our great state struggles with having enough revenue to function, we, as union members need to do what we can to have our U.S. Senator's fight for every dollar that we can get.
You can play a very important part of this process by participating in the AFSCME "National Call-In Day". Please call your U.S. Senators on Tuesday, February 23rd. Not sure what to say when you call? Read the SEPAC Action e-Alert for a suggestion...
You can play a very important part of this process by participating in the AFSCME "National Call-In Day". Please call your U.S. Senators on Tuesday, February 23rd. Not sure what to say when you call? Read the SEPAC Action e-Alert for a suggestion...
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Brief Summary of How AFSCME Lobby Day Works
All participants meet at the Masonic Temple between 9:00am and 10:00am, about a block off the Capitol Square at 301 Wisconsin Ave, Madison.
At the Masonic Temple participants are briefed by AFSCME Leadership and AFSCME's lobbyists on the issues that AFSCME members want to "educate" Legislators on. The briefing normally last's for one hour or less.
Participants then leave the Masonic Temple in a group for the State Capitol. Once at the State Capitol a group photo is taken by the staff of the Public Affairs Department of AFSCME Council 11 on the capitol steps leading from State St. Then all participants proceed into the State Capitol to meet with Legislators and their staff in meetings pre-scheduled by AFSCME.
Participants will attend these meetings with other AFSCME brothers and sisters that reside in the same Legislative District. When your scheduled meetings have concluded you will return to the Masonic Temple and enjoy a box lunch, discuss your visits with others in your group, share some laughs and good conversation and then complete, in a group setting, Legislative contact report forms for the AFSCME leadership and Lobbyists to utilize in the near future.
Remember, this is your day in the Capitol, make the best of it and have fun while doing it. Legislator's anticipate your arrival and in most cases are looking for you to educate them on your issues.
At the Masonic Temple participants are briefed by AFSCME Leadership and AFSCME's lobbyists on the issues that AFSCME members want to "educate" Legislators on. The briefing normally last's for one hour or less.
Participants then leave the Masonic Temple in a group for the State Capitol. Once at the State Capitol a group photo is taken by the staff of the Public Affairs Department of AFSCME Council 11 on the capitol steps leading from State St. Then all participants proceed into the State Capitol to meet with Legislators and their staff in meetings pre-scheduled by AFSCME.
Participants will attend these meetings with other AFSCME brothers and sisters that reside in the same Legislative District. When your scheduled meetings have concluded you will return to the Masonic Temple and enjoy a box lunch, discuss your visits with others in your group, share some laughs and good conversation and then complete, in a group setting, Legislative contact report forms for the AFSCME leadership and Lobbyists to utilize in the near future.
Remember, this is your day in the Capitol, make the best of it and have fun while doing it. Legislator's anticipate your arrival and in most cases are looking for you to educate them on your issues.
AFSCME Lobby Day Bus Schedules Now Available
The first bus schedule has now been released. Please click on the title of this alert to view the bus schedule and find a bus that you can ride for FREE to the AFSCME Lobby Day on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010. ALL buses are motorcoach buses designed for comfort and safety.
If you are going to ride on one of the many motorcoach buses to the AFSCME Lobby Day then please let your TBA Staff person or Council staff representative know. Notification will allow us to monitor the number of passengers so that we can obtain additional buses, if needed.
WE HOPE TO SEE YOU AT THE ANNUAL AFSCME LOBBY DAY!
If you are going to ride on one of the many motorcoach buses to the AFSCME Lobby Day then please let your TBA Staff person or Council staff representative know. Notification will allow us to monitor the number of passengers so that we can obtain additional buses, if needed.
WE HOPE TO SEE YOU AT THE ANNUAL AFSCME LOBBY DAY!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Mr. "Tough on Crime" Walker - AFSCME Member Speaks Out
Scott Walker, County Executive for Milwaukee County is percieved as the GOP front-runner for the 2010 Gubernatorial race here in Wisconsin.
Mr. Walker has not hesitated to publicly announce his planned "attacks" on state employee wages and benefits. SEPAC in cooperation with the Wisconsin PEOPLE Conference invited Mr. Walker to a candidate interview in January of this year, but he failed to even acknowledge the invitation to come before the public-sector worker representatives in Milwaukee.
Mr. Walker poses a serious threat to the existence of thousands of public sector workers and if there is ever a time that all AFSCME members should fight back against a negative gubernatorial candidate like Scott Walker, IT IS NOW.
PLEASE READ the below suggestion from a well-informed AFSCME member whom through his own research has quickly identified the danger that Mr. Walker poses to public-sector workers, namely state employees. Click on the title of this post to read Brother Piech's communication to Mr. Walker;
Quote from a Member of the WSEU:
From: Piech, Brian P - DOC [mailto:xxxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Saturday, February 06, 2010 7:07 AM
Subject: FW: Email to Scott Walker
We must rise against this guy or we will be working for 7.00 an hour and paying 500.00 a month for our health coverage!! NO SCOTT WALKER!
-- END --
Read Brian Piech's entire email sent to Scott Walker...
Mr. Walker has not hesitated to publicly announce his planned "attacks" on state employee wages and benefits. SEPAC in cooperation with the Wisconsin PEOPLE Conference invited Mr. Walker to a candidate interview in January of this year, but he failed to even acknowledge the invitation to come before the public-sector worker representatives in Milwaukee.
Mr. Walker poses a serious threat to the existence of thousands of public sector workers and if there is ever a time that all AFSCME members should fight back against a negative gubernatorial candidate like Scott Walker, IT IS NOW.
PLEASE READ the below suggestion from a well-informed AFSCME member whom through his own research has quickly identified the danger that Mr. Walker poses to public-sector workers, namely state employees. Click on the title of this post to read Brother Piech's communication to Mr. Walker;
Quote from a Member of the WSEU:
From: Piech, Brian P - DOC [mailto:xxxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Saturday, February 06, 2010 7:07 AM
Subject: FW: Email to Scott Walker
We must rise against this guy or we will be working for 7.00 an hour and paying 500.00 a month for our health coverage!! NO SCOTT WALKER!
-- END --
Read Brian Piech's entire email sent to Scott Walker...
Goals of AFSCME Lobby Day
Strengthening Power at the Bargaining Table, Fighting Privatization and Protecting Public Services
AFSCME Lobby Day 2010 will be held in Madison on Wednesday, March 3. This year’s Lobby Day will focus on three themes: increasing our power at the bargaining table, fighting the rush to privatization and adequately funding public services. This is a critical time for AFSCME Wisconsin’s legislative agenda. We ask you to join hundreds of AFSCME members from all three Wisconsin Councils and descend on the Capitol on one day to speak with one voice about the importance of public services.
To sign up for Lobby Day please contact either your Council, the Council 11 office at the number listed below, or your Take Back America Staff.
For more information, contact the AFSCME lobbyists at 608-836-6666.
AFSCME Lobby Day 2010 will be held in Madison on Wednesday, March 3. This year’s Lobby Day will focus on three themes: increasing our power at the bargaining table, fighting the rush to privatization and adequately funding public services. This is a critical time for AFSCME Wisconsin’s legislative agenda. We ask you to join hundreds of AFSCME members from all three Wisconsin Councils and descend on the Capitol on one day to speak with one voice about the importance of public services.
To sign up for Lobby Day please contact either your Council, the Council 11 office at the number listed below, or your Take Back America Staff.
For more information, contact the AFSCME lobbyists at 608-836-6666.
Plenty in the Hopper for Public Employees
With a limited spring legislative session, the time is now to advance AFSCME-supported legislation and stop bills we oppose. Among the issues in play are:
• Reform of state contracting procedures (Senate Bill 447)
• Limitations on judge’s abilities to overturn an arbitrator’s decision under the state’s collective bargaining laws (Assembly Bill 609)
• Federalization of state tax laws for retirement accounts (AB 648)
• Presumption for some public employees that infectious diseases were contracted on the job (SB 429 and AB 644)
• Protective occupational status bargaining rights for all public employees working on a secured institution (AB 634 and SB 439)
• Retiree Organizing Rights Act (SB 390)
• Transportation safety legislation, such as a ban on texting and driving and minimum snowplow following distances (AB 552) (The texting ban bills include AB 496, AB 429 and SB 355)
• Funding sources for Milwaukee County Parks (AB 504)
• Quality Ratings System for Child Care Providers (Department of Children and Families proposal)
AFSCME is working diligently to voice the concerns of public employees across the state on these and other issues every day in the Capitol. But the time for AFSCME members to act on their right to have their voice heard by legislators directly is now. One of the best ways for AFSCME members to exercise that right is attend AFSCME Lobby Day.
AFSCME Wisconsin Lobbyists
• Reform of state contracting procedures (Senate Bill 447)
• Limitations on judge’s abilities to overturn an arbitrator’s decision under the state’s collective bargaining laws (Assembly Bill 609)
• Federalization of state tax laws for retirement accounts (AB 648)
• Presumption for some public employees that infectious diseases were contracted on the job (SB 429 and AB 644)
• Protective occupational status bargaining rights for all public employees working on a secured institution (AB 634 and SB 439)
• Retiree Organizing Rights Act (SB 390)
• Transportation safety legislation, such as a ban on texting and driving and minimum snowplow following distances (AB 552) (The texting ban bills include AB 496, AB 429 and SB 355)
• Funding sources for Milwaukee County Parks (AB 504)
• Quality Ratings System for Child Care Providers (Department of Children and Families proposal)
AFSCME is working diligently to voice the concerns of public employees across the state on these and other issues every day in the Capitol. But the time for AFSCME members to act on their right to have their voice heard by legislators directly is now. One of the best ways for AFSCME members to exercise that right is attend AFSCME Lobby Day.
AFSCME Wisconsin Lobbyists
Our jobs matter!
Dear Friend,
I just signed AFSCME's Jobs Now petition and I hope you'll join me.
Please visit this link; http://www.afscme.org/splash/jobs.cfm
The vital public services -- and AFSCME jobs -- that make America happen are on the chopping block as state and local governments face unprecedented budget shortfalls -- right when these very services and jobs are needed most.
Our communities simply can't afford to lose these jobs and crucial services that we provide Please join me and thousands of other AFSCME members: tell Congress to pass a jobs bill now and protect America's workers.
Again, please visit this link and sign the petition; http://www.afscme.org/splash/jobs.cfm
In Solidarity,
Steven Williams
Political Education Legislative Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO
I just signed AFSCME's Jobs Now petition and I hope you'll join me.
Please visit this link; http://www.afscme.org/splash/jobs.cfm
The vital public services -- and AFSCME jobs -- that make America happen are on the chopping block as state and local governments face unprecedented budget shortfalls -- right when these very services and jobs are needed most.
Our communities simply can't afford to lose these jobs and crucial services that we provide Please join me and thousands of other AFSCME members: tell Congress to pass a jobs bill now and protect America's workers.
Again, please visit this link and sign the petition; http://www.afscme.org/splash/jobs.cfm
In Solidarity,
Steven Williams
Political Education Legislative Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO
Friday, February 12, 2010
AFSCME Releases “Digging Out” Video
For IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, February 12, 2010
“Public Employees Are Clearing the Way” Through Snow Storms and Economic Storms
Washington, DC — The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) released a new web video today, called “Digging Out.” Coming on the heels of historic snowstorms in the Mid-Atlantic, the video highlights how public employees are digging us out of the snow – and out of the economic storm the country has been weathering.
“America is digging out from some historic storms,” the video states over footage of snow clearing, alternating with symbols of the economic downturn. “Public employees are clearing the way – doing their job so that you can do yours. Tell Congress to keep investing in our communities, so we can get through the storm.”
The video calls attention to the substantial economic benefits of investing in state and local services on the eve of a United States Senate debate about whether to include investment in public services in new jobs legislation. Without that investment, which includes an extension of the Federal Medicaid Assistance Program as called for in President Obama’s budget, more than three million Americans in both the public and private sectors could lose their jobs by 2012.
Investing in state and local services is one of the most efficient and effective ways for the federal government to spur economic development, create jobs, and preserve critical services like education and public safety. In fact, according to prominent economist and former McCain advisor Mark Zandi, every dollar invested in public services yields $1.41 in economic activity.
“At our times of greatest need, whether in clearing the aftermath of a snow storm or tackling the much larger challenges of an economic storm, it is the work of dedicated public employees that pull us through,” said AFSCME President Gerald McEntee.
“We all want to get our economy back on track, get Americans back to work, and dig ourselves out of these hard times. Investing in our communities creates jobs and jumpstarts economic growth. It needs to be a critical piece of any true jobs plan, and we’re making sure our leaders in the Senate understand that.”
“Digging Out” can be viewed online at www.afscme.org.
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.
###
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
Friday, February 12, 2010
“Public Employees Are Clearing the Way” Through Snow Storms and Economic Storms
Washington, DC — The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) released a new web video today, called “Digging Out.” Coming on the heels of historic snowstorms in the Mid-Atlantic, the video highlights how public employees are digging us out of the snow – and out of the economic storm the country has been weathering.
“America is digging out from some historic storms,” the video states over footage of snow clearing, alternating with symbols of the economic downturn. “Public employees are clearing the way – doing their job so that you can do yours. Tell Congress to keep investing in our communities, so we can get through the storm.”
The video calls attention to the substantial economic benefits of investing in state and local services on the eve of a United States Senate debate about whether to include investment in public services in new jobs legislation. Without that investment, which includes an extension of the Federal Medicaid Assistance Program as called for in President Obama’s budget, more than three million Americans in both the public and private sectors could lose their jobs by 2012.
Investing in state and local services is one of the most efficient and effective ways for the federal government to spur economic development, create jobs, and preserve critical services like education and public safety. In fact, according to prominent economist and former McCain advisor Mark Zandi, every dollar invested in public services yields $1.41 in economic activity.
“At our times of greatest need, whether in clearing the aftermath of a snow storm or tackling the much larger challenges of an economic storm, it is the work of dedicated public employees that pull us through,” said AFSCME President Gerald McEntee.
“We all want to get our economy back on track, get Americans back to work, and dig ourselves out of these hard times. Investing in our communities creates jobs and jumpstarts economic growth. It needs to be a critical piece of any true jobs plan, and we’re making sure our leaders in the Senate understand that.”
“Digging Out” can be viewed online at www.afscme.org.
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.
###
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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