Legislation & Politics

Letter to Senators supporting funding the Common Computing Environment in the FY 2006 Agriculture Appropriations bill (H.R. 2744)

September 20, 2005

Dear Senator:

On behalf of the 1.4 million members of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), and the employees we represent at the Department of Agriculture, I urge you to continue funding the Common Computing Environment in the FY 2006 Agriculture Appropriations bill (H.R. 2744) at the Senate level of $128,072,000.

The Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 required the Secretary of Agriculture to procure and use computer systems in a manner that would enhance efficiency, productivity and client services and that would promote computer information sharing among agencies of the Department. As a result of the USDA Service Center Modernization initiative, the Department has commenced the restructuring of the county field offices and the modernization and replacement of aging information systems with the Common Computing Environment initiative. However, the $124,580,000 needed for this account was cut in half during floor consideration in the House. The House funding now stands at just $63,855.000 which is grossly insufficient to cover the cost of updating, modernizing and replacing outdated computer equipment in conjunction with the USDA Service Center Modernization initiative. Without full funding, necessary improvements in information sharing, customer service and other staff efficiencies will not be realized. In addition, future Department improvements will go unmet and the Common Computing Environment will not be achieved.

Therefore, we ask that you do everything you can to maintain the full funding level provided by the Senate bill throughout the entire appropriation process.


Sincerely,

Charles M. Loveless
Director of Legislation

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