WHEREAS:

Domestic spending for human investment programs has been reduced $56 billion since 1981; and

WHEREAS:

The passage of Gramm-Rudman-Hollings will lead to an inescapable drastic decline in federal human investment; and

WHEREAS:

The military budget has cost $14 trillion since 1981; and

WHEREAS:

The proposed military budget over the next several years could amount to an additional $1.6 trillion; and

WHEREAS:

Corporate income taxes have declined from 5.8% of GNP in 1953 to 1.7% today; and

WHEREAS:

Recent tax cuts disproportionately benefit major corporations and wealthy individuals.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME International endorses common-sense budget priorities including:

1. No cuts in human investment programs and restoration of programs basic to human needs.
2. An elimination in wasteful defense spending.
3. New tax revenues with tax reform which shifts the burden from low- and middle-income people to individuals and corporations who do not now pay their fair share.
4. The repeal or modification of Gramm-Rudman-Hollings, which has goals that are too drastic and place an unfair burden on human investment programs which have already experienced severe budget cuts.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME International will actively participate in the public debate in support of common-sense budget priorities; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That a copy of this resolution be sent to:

COALITION ON HUMAN NEEDS
1000 Wisconsin Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20007

SUBMITTED BY:

Martha R. Harbin, President
Sharon MacBride, Secretary
Local 2696, Council 8
Akron, Ohio