WHEREAS:

Title XX of the Social Security Act is the major source of federal funding to assist states in providing vital social services; and

WHEREAS:

Title XX strengthens the nation's social structure by funding such programs as: homemaker services to handicapped or elderly persons; child day care; protective services to children and adults; child welfare services and social services directed to reduce dependency.

The delivery of Title XX Social Services by state, county, and local AFSCME members produces cost effective social and economic benefits by enabling female heads of households and other mothers to work and remain off AFDC by providing day care services to their children; by enabling families at risk to remain together; and by avoiding the high cost of institutionalization of elderly and disabled persons; and

WHEREAS:

The capacity of states to deliver these services has been eroded by a 20 percent cut that was made in Title XX funding during the Reagan Administration's first year (1981). Since then, AFSCME has been in the forefront of the successful struggle which has caused the Congress to repel additional Title XX reductions proposed by the Administration; and

WHEREAS:

The Reagan Administration's attack on Title XX has denied critical social services to an estimated 3 million Americans and has proven to be counter-productive. For example, working mothers who lost subsidized day care for their children as a result of the cuts may be on AFDC and not working any longer.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME urges the Congress to restore full funding of Title XX at a level of $3.1 billion.

SUBMITTED BY:

Richard Markowski, President
Dennis Sheahan, Secretary
Council 48
Milwaukee, Wisconsin