AFSCME President Saunders: Passage of the Inflation Reduction Act marks ‘the culmination of decades of advocacy from workers’

WASHINGTON — AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement after President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law – the capstone of two years of progress:

“Today, President Biden signed into law yet another piece of historic legislation to deliver major relief to working families, create hundreds of thousands of jobs, and invest in the public services and public service workers who are the backbone of our nation. This legislation is the culmination of decades of advocacy from workers to lower prescription drug and health care costs for millions, to move to a clean energy future, and to level the playing field by making corporations and the wealthy pay their fair share of taxes.

“The Inflation Reduction Act is another example of what we can achieve when we elect pro-worker candidates committed to improving the lives of everyday people instead of enriching billionaires and CEOs. It builds on the progress made by previously enacted legislation to fund state and local public services, empower and invest in child care workers, repair our roads and bridges, rebuild water systems, and so much more.

“As we celebrate this win, it’s undeniable that things are getting better. We have the lowest unemployment rate in 50 years. Gas prices are plunging and inflation is moving in the right direction. This November, we look forward to using our votes to advance this historic progress.”