WHEREAS:
State governments, having only recently climbed out of record budget shortfalls, face renewed fiscal pressure from structural budget deficits in the near future; and

WHEREAS:
Local governments and school districts also will face fiscal problems due in part to cuts in state aid; and

WHEREAS:
Many state legislatures and governors are making shortsighted fiscal policy decisions without considering these structural and long-term budget challenges, by spending temporary surpluses on huge, permanent tax cuts and tax breaks for businesses and special interests; and

WHEREAS:
Additional fiscal challenges imposed in large part by federal cuts to programs carried out by states, loom over state capitals, such as paying for Medicaid for the growing numbers of workers whose employers do not provide health insurance coverage, keeping state tax systems up-to-date with changes in the economy; and

WHEREAS:
Anti-tax groups, supported by moneyed interests, continue to mislead people about the services public employees provide, including education, transportation, public safety and health care, in order to promote their agenda of de-funding public services and infrastructure; and

WHEREAS:
AFSCME has developed a State Legislative Agenda which places a spotlight on hidden spending in state budgets and puts forward real solutions that will generate fair and adequate revenue for public services. This State Legislative Agenda includes "Truth in Spending" measures, to disclose the cost of contracting out, tax expenditures and economic development incentives; reforming Medicaid to control high health insurance and prescription drug costs without compromising the quality of care; closing corporate tax loopholes; making state tax systems modern and progressive; and stopping attacks on public revenues.
 
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That AFSCME affiliates and the International Union make it a priority to promote the AFSCME State Legislative Agenda in state capitals throughout the country to reveal the hidden spending in state budgets, meaningfully address health care, and repair state revenue systems to make them adequate and equitable.  By theses measures we will protect crucial public services by protecting the public employees who provide them through maintenance of workforce levels and adequate benefits and compensation; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the International Union assist AFSCME affiliates that introduce State Legislative Agenda bills, with research, fact sheets, testimony and other support; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That AFSCME leaders and members make their legislators aware of our State Legislative Agenda, how it can protect public services in our states and its importance to us as a union.
 
 
SUBMITTED BY: Sal Luciano, Executive Director and Delegate
AFSCME Council 4
Connecticut