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Legislation & Politics | ||
Letter to Appropriations Subcommittee – FY09 - State Foreign Operations (EWC)March 28, 2008 Members of the Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Committee on Appropriations Dear Senator: On behalf of the 1.4 million members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and our members working at the East-West Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, I am writing to urge you to fully fund the fiscal year 2009 budget for the East-West Center. East-West Center AFSCME requests $22.6 million for the East-West Center (EWC) to ensure the Center can operate effectively. This small increase above FY 2008’s $19.5 million appropriation would enable the EWC to fund current services as well as enhance the Center’s program work in key areas, modernize its physical plant, including much needed upgrades to dormitories and conference facilities and leverage the commitment and participation of EWC alumni. President Bush’s proposed FY 2009 budget funds the EWC at only $10 million, which cuts the Center’s FY 2008 funding by 51 percent or $9.5 million. If enacted, this deep cut would force many layoffs, sharply reduce the EWC’s program work and undermine its goals. In recent years, the EWC’s federal funding has been reduced and additional funding is needed to sustain and grow its mission. The EWC is a national education and research organization established by Congress in 1960 to strengthen relations and understanding among the peoples and nations of Asia, the Pacific and America. The Center is also a national and regional resource offering an interdisciplinary research program, vital services in the relationship with the Asian Pacific community, and a vigorous hub for cooperative research, education and dialogue on critical issues of common concern affecting U.S.-Asian Pacific relations. EWC’s dialogue and professional enrichment programs focus on key communicators such as the media, educators and political and policy leaders. In addition to Congress’ appropriation, EWC receives funding from foundations, private agencies, corporations, individuals and the region’s other governments. Congress’ appropriation is vital to ensuring EWC can continue to leverage this other participation and funding. Thank you for your continued leadership and consideration of AFSCME’s funding request for the EWC. Sincerely, |
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