WHEREAS:

Americans are confronting enormous challenges at home and abroad.  Our economic recovery is slow and fragile, the world faces dangerous political instability, and fundamental democratic institutions, like the ability to form a union or to vote without undue hardship, are even being challenged; and

WHEREAS:

Americans need courageous and effective leaders who are focused on economic recovery, the creation of good jobs in America, and the peaceful expansion of democracy throughout the world; and

WHEREAS:

President Barack Obama prioritized the enactment of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) in 2009, leading to the creation or preservation of up to 4 million jobs and GDP growth of up to 2.5 percent higher than it would have been absent the stimulus; and

WHEREAS:

President Barack Obama spearheaded the successful enactment of universal health care coverage.  For the first time, all Americans will be guaranteed health care coverage regardless of income or health status; and

WHEREAS:

President Barack Obama supports unions and the right of workers to organize and collectively bargain in both the public and private sectors; and

WHEREAS:

President Barack Obama supports a progressive agenda to reduce wealth inequality and recognizes the danger of rising wealth inequality to our economy and to our democracy; and

WHEREAS:

President Barack Obama supported the preservation of the U.S. automobile industry and thereby directly saved hundreds of thousands of manufacturing jobs that pay decent wages and benefits; and

WHEREAS:

President Barack Obama led efforts to rein in and re-regulate Wall Street in order to protect consumers and workers from the worst excesses of the uncontrolled “casino economy”; and

WHEREAS:

President Barack Obama supports efforts to address human activity leading to climate change in a manner that will both promote the creation of well-paying jobs and preserve the health of our planet and our people; and

WHEREAS:

The announced candidates for the Republican nomination for President have taken positions hostile to working families and public services that would undo decades of progress. President Barack Obama’s record of fighting for the interests of middle class families stands in stark contrast to the views of his Republican rivals.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

AFSCME endorses President Barack Obama for reelection as President of the United States in 2012; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

The International Union and affiliates at all levels shall educate and mobilize our members and the public about the importance of President Barack Obama’s reelection for our nation and the world; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

The International Union and affiliates will make this a top priority and will expend the financial and organizational resources necessary to ensure success.