AFSCME President Lee Saunders has expressed strong opposition to recent decisions by House committees to advance a budget proposal that could have significant consequences for public services across the nation. According to Saunders, these proposed cuts will have widespread effects beyond just those directly receiving benefits from Medicaid and SNAP.
Saunders criticized Congress members he described as “anti-worker extremists” for voting in favor of measures that would remove health insurance from 13.7 million individuals and reduce food assistance, purportedly to provide tax breaks for billionaires. He warned of potential closures of hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics, especially in rural areas, due to the lack of funding.
He emphasized that such cuts would lead to increased healthcare costs for everyone as more uninsured people seek emergency care only during crises. Furthermore, Saunders noted the broader economic impact: rising costs would leave working people with less spending power, affecting small businesses and leading to job losses on Main Streets nationwide.
Highlighting the essential role AFSCME members play in maintaining public safety and health through various services such as child care, home care, sanitation work, and corrections duties, Saunders underscored the risk posed by reduced federal funding. This situation threatens jobs as local governments struggle financially.
As the bill progresses to the House floor, AFSCME members are actively voicing their concerns. “Tens of thousands of us have called, written and even traveled to D.C. from across the country,” said Saunders. The organization is committed to opposing what it describes as a “cruel” budget plan that prioritizes wealthier citizens over working families.
