Call Now: "Flat" budget would cut services and jobs

ACTION ALERT
Call your state senator and representative NOW at 888-912-5959
Tell them to OPPOSE any budget plan that would force cuts to essential public services and layoffs of public service workers

With time ticking down on the state legislative session, the news from Springfield is frightening.

Legislators are considering a "flat" budget plan -- one that spends the same amount of money in the coming fiscal year that was spent in the previous one. But because of rising costs, both to meet payroll and for new requirements, a "flat" budget would almost certainly force cuts and layoffs everywhere AFSCME members work, whether in state or local governments, universities or private-sector not-for-profit agencies.

• For state employees, because state agencies must meet new requirements in many areas -- as well as maintain adequate staff to reduce overtime and pay negotiated wage increases -- a "flat" budget is nearly certain to mean massive layoffs and possibly facility closures in the coming year. Some legislators are also claiming such a budget would mean no wage increases in the coming year. And this whole budget debacle puts in jeopardy money for back pay owed to state employees since 2011!

• For employees of state universities and local governments, cuts and layoffs could also result if state funding is reduced under this plan.

• For direct-support personnel employed by community agencies that care for individuals with development disabilities, not only would there be no $1-an-hour wage increase we have worked so hard for, the "flat" budget could actually reduce funding for agencies that rely on state grants -- leading to further cuts and layoffs.

That's why it's critical that every AFSCME member contact your state legislators right away. Make two calls, one to your senator and one to your representative.

Urge your legislators:
"Please OPPOSE any FY 15 budget plan that would force cuts to essential public services and layoffs of public service workers like me. Instead, please SUPPORT revenue measures that will allow the state to continue to provide the services on which citizens depend."

Call your state senator and representative at 888-912-5959 or use our Click-to-Call tool here.