Saunders: Biden plan a ‘massive step forward;’ additional flexible aid may be needed in the future
"President-elect Biden’s recovery plan has exactly the right priorities: ending the pandemic and jumpstarting the economy. The investment proposed by the President-elect is a massive step forward, and the $600 billion to support public services, including the $350 billion in flexible aid to state and local governments, will cover immediate needs. But given the breadth and depth of the economic crisis, additional aid likely will be needed.”
WASHINGTON — “President-elect Biden’s recovery plan has exactly the right priorities: ending the pandemic and jumpstarting the economy. From raising the minimum wage to increased unemployment benefits to vaccine mobilization, this rescue package will help get America back on track.
“AFSCME has called for $1 trillion in funding for states, cities, towns and schools to close massive budget shortfalls, which have led to a staggering loss since last February of nearly 1.4 million public service jobs – front-line workers like nurses, correctional officers, first responders, child care providers and many more. The investment proposed by the President-elect is a massive step forward, and the $600 billion to support public services, including the $350 billion in flexible aid to state and local governments, will cover immediate needs. But given the breadth and depth of the economic crisis, additional aid likely will be needed.
“Let’s remember that the public service workforce in states and localities never returned to pre-Great Recession levels. The austerity measures of the last decade-plus have come home to roost, leaving our communities tragically unprepared for a catastrophic public health crisis. It’s time to get the pandemic under control; end the layoffs of our front-line heroes; and provide states, cities, towns and schools with the resources they need to protect against future crises.
“The President-elect knows that these everyday heroes deliver the essential public services that will help us distribute the vaccine, treat the sick and keep businesses open. He believes deeply that, for their courage and sacrifice, they deserve better than to get pink slips. We applaud President-elect Biden for this important step and look forward to working with the Biden-Harris Administration to build back better.”