WHEREAS:

            Economic conditions in our country dictate that the majority of parents (single or otherwise) are employed; and

WHEREAS:

            Standard employment usually requires 40 plus hours per week away from the home and family; and

WHEREAS:

            The cost of quality day care for young children and for the elderly often surpass the earning power of the worker(s); and

WHEREAS:

            Children and the elderly require supervision and care during the hours an employee is away from the home; and

WHEREAS:

            Former U.S. Senator Hubert H. Humphrey eloquently stated in one of his speeches:

"It was once said that the moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life the sick, the needy, and the handicapped." —Hubert H. Humphrey, speech at dedication of Hubert H. Humphrey building, Washington, D.C., Nov. 1, 1977.

Thus our country will forever have this powerful statement as a beacon to guide us in our endeavors for social and governmental responsibility; and

WHEREAS:

            Day care costs are escalating disproportionately to workers' wages; and

WHEREAS:

            Social health agencies nationwide are mandated to support vulnerable populations; and

WHEREAS:

            Social and health agencies are entrusted to set standards and examples of quality care; and

WHEREAS:

            The need for a comprehensive, standardized national day care policy must be established under Federal guidelines with adequate funding and direction; and

WHEREAS:

            AFSCME has vested responsibility in its position of leadership to advance the cause for national quality day care for young and old and vulnerable populations.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

            That AFSCME national membership summon our AFSCME International leadership to move with utmost diligence and urgency to enjoin with the U.S. Congress in the creation, development, and support of a National Day Care program for vulnerable populations so that our great nation will achieve parity with other countries which have already demonstrated how vital and necessary these day care programs are to the well-being of their citizens and economies; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

            That AFSCME continue to work toward negotiating employer-provided child care assistance.

SUBMITTED BY:

Gordon Umino, President and Delegate
AFSCME Local 843, Council 28 
Washington

Gary M. Lonzo, President and Delegate 
Carol Heffernan, Secretary and Delegate
AFSCME Council 24 
Wisconsin