AFSCME President McEntee “Extremely Disappointed” by Stimulus Deal

January 24, 2008 -- Statement of AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — “It is extremely disappointing to hear that Congress is considering a band-aid, half-hearted solution to the economic crisis we’re facing. Congress will be making a big mistake if they pass an economic stimulus deal that ignores the needs of state and local governments.

Rebate checks alone are not going to address the crisis facing families who rely on unemployment insurance, food stamps and Medicaid programs. More and more states every day are facing budget shortfalls and new Medicaid regulations are about to shift more costs to the states at a time when they can barely afford to meet current needs.

State and local governments need immediate help or they will be forced to raise taxes or cut services, either of which would cancel out any positive effects from rebates.”

Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)

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