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Legislation & Politics | ||
Letter to Representatives opposing the conference agreement accompanying the "Deficit Reduction Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 2005"December 18, 2005 Dear Representative: On behalf of the 1.4 million members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), I urge you to oppose the conference agreement accompanying the "Deficit Reduction Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 2005." The conference agreement makes some changes from the earlier approved bill but still slashes funding from services that are vital to many poor and working families. And, it remains a pretext to partially pay for the enormous, reckless tax cuts that will primarily benefit the wealthiest of Americans. The agreement still makes unfair cuts in vital public service programs, including cuts in Medicaid, student loans, and child support enforcement. Perhaps most egregious, however, is the fact that these cuts are being made not to reduce the deficit but to pay for expensive tax cuts for the wealthy that are unfair and unnecessary. This spending reconciliation bill is inextricably linked to the fiscally irresponsible and immoral tax policies of the Bush Administration. When President Bush came into office, he inherited a projected $5.6 trillion ten-year surplus. As we know, the surplus has been completely wiped out and our country has been driven deeply into deficit. Clearly, claims that we could cut taxes and somehow get more revenue proved to be wrong. Nevertheless, the Bush Administration and the Republican leadership in Congress are strongly committed to a new round of massive tax cuts, primarily benefiting the wealthiest Americans, as part of budget reconciliation. This is fiscally dangerous and morally wrong. AFSCME urges you to stand firm for America's families and make the choice that reflects our country's most important priorities. Vote no on the budget conference agreement and oppose this destructive budget reconciliation process.
Charles M. Loveless |
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