AFSCME’s Saunders: ‘President Biden’s priorities are working families’ priorities’

WASHINGTON — AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement after President Joe Biden announced his 2024 budget proposal:

“President Biden’s priorities are working families’ priorities. The budget proposed today would shore up Medicare, ensuring that people will receive the health benefits they’ve earned, and protect Social Security from any cuts. While securing the future of these essential programs, his budget empowers working families by investing in child care, capping insulin costs and expanding paid family and medical leave. It would also boost Medicare’s ability to negotiate lower prescription drug prices, in addition to easing the burden of rising home prices.

“President Biden’s proposal achieves all of this and more by asking billionaires to pay their fair share in taxes. That additional revenue would reduce the deficit by $3 trillion and allow us to strengthen the public services our communities depend on. It is an economic blueprint for how to reduce inequality and continue promoting economic growth and job creation.

“In the face of rising costs and radical threats to dismantle our social safety nets, President Biden has a bold plan to invest in working families. Now, it’s time for Congress to follow through.”