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Final Bush budget means cuts to AFSCME member jobs across nation
Federal government fails to provide grants to local, state governments; Drastic cuts hurt working families who provide, use vital public services

Source: AFSCME Legislative Report

Feb. 11, 2008 - On February 4, 2008, President Bush released his record-setting $3.1 trillion budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2009, which seeks to preserve the Bush budget legacy of red ink and wrong priorities.  

It supports making permanent his 2001 and 2003 tax breaks that benefit the richest one percent.  It calls for a sizable increase in military spending. 

And, it leaves behind a mound of debt as it projects a near-record $407 billion deficit in 2009, despite the fact that Bush inherited a record surplus of $236 billion when he took office in 2001.  

At the same time, Bush once again calls for deep cuts in grants to states and local governments and drastic cuts to vital public services relied upon by working families, especially in Medicare and Medicaid, and job assistance.

Ironically, as unemployment rates continue to rise and economies fall, Bush again cut federal funding for employment and training programs by $1.2 billion or an unprecedented 29 percent.

Specifically, Workforce Investment Action (WIA) programs would be cut by $484.4 million, a 13.7 percent reduction.  These programs include funds for dislocated workers, which decline by $ 222.4 million, and youth and adults which would decline by $216.7 million.

The Bush budget is based on unrealistic “rosy” assumptions about future economic growth and omits the full cost of the war, and tax breaks. 

If implemented, there is little doubt the Bush budget would result in a significant loss of AFSCME member jobs. 

AFSCME will fight for the rejection of the President’s budget and in favor of a more balanced approach to funding priorities and providing resources for vital public services.

See Related

AFSCME REPORT ON BUSH BUDGET PLAN (PDF)

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