WHEREAS:

For the last three years, America's state and local governments have suffered through the worst budget crises since World War II, with a cumulative three year budget gap of over $235 billion. Next year's budget gap is estimated at more than $40 billion; and

WHEREAS:

As a result, states have been forced to cut services and reduce investments in education, health care, public safety, first responders, social services, transportation, and other vital services; and

WHEREAS:

Counties, cities, towns and school districts have suffered similar budget troubles and have been forced to significantly reduce services; and

WHEREAS:

Our nation's infrastructure is outdated and new investments are needed to modernize, repair, and maintain it and to retain U.S. economic competitiveness. Needs are estimated at $200 billion for America's public schools, $375 billion for America's roads and mass transit network, and more than $20 billion for America's public housing. Our health care system is in crisis; and

WHEREAS:

America's public service workers are undertrained and underpaid and their jobs are understaffed. Large investments are needed to fully staff, appropriately train, and adequately pay public service workers; and

WHEREAS:

A clear need exists for additional investments to increase economic competitiveness and create new American jobs; and

WHEREAS:

In 2003, President Bush requested, and Congress appropriated, more than $20 billion to reconstruct Iraq, and the Bush Administration has stated that after the November 2004 elections, it intends to request billions more; and

WHEREAS:

While funds to assist Iraq are needed, it is also important to take care of our domestic priorities; and

WHEREAS:

If the President and Congress can find more than $20 billion to rebuild post-war Iraq, then they should be able to afford as much to strengthen America here at home.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME will work to advance federal legislation, especially the American Parity Act, that ensures that any U.S. spending to rebuild post-war Iraq is balanced with matching dollar-for-dollar investments to rebuild America's education, health care, transportation, and housing infrastructure and to address other vital public services; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME will work to generate the support and endorsements of state and local officials for enacting the American Parity Act and similar legislative proposals.

SUBMITTED BY:

Bonnie Marpoe, President and Delegate
Phyllis Wingate, Secretary
AFSCME Council 13
Pennsylvania