At least 1,500 union workers gathered on Capitol Hill this week and demanded that no cuts be made to Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security as part of across-the-board sequestration cuts scheduled to take effect on March 1. They stood in the front yard of Congress and asked that the future of America not be jeopardized for the sake of the wealthiest 1% and special interest groups. And we stand with them in delivering that message.
This particular gathering, led by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), was to remind Congress that everyone in this country should have access to a good job, are paid a livable wage, and have healthcare benefits and a secure retirement. And that every child in America needs access to a good education. As TTD President Edward Wytkind said in his Jobs Not Cuts blog, we need a long-term plan to fund our nation’s transportation system, which would create hundreds of thousands of new jobs. In other words, a common sense solution already exists to boost our economy. But what we can’t have is massive cuts to vital transportation programs.
Like President Obama shared during his State of the Union address: “We won’t grow the middle class simply by shifting the cost of health care or college onto families that are already struggling, or by forcing communities to lay off more teachers, cops, and firefighters.” TTD and our members also believe the burden of our economy should not rest solely on the backs of the middle class.
The White House is giving everyone a chance to be heard through a new initiative, Citizens Response, where you can share thoughts about the President’s State of the Union address.
Let the President know what part of his message struck a chord with you. Perhaps it was when he said: “But we gather here knowing that there are millions of Americans whose hard work and dedication have not yet been rewarded. Our economy is adding jobs — but too many people still can’t find full-time employment. Corporate profits have skyrocketed to all-time highs — but for more than a decade, wages and incomes have barely budged.”
So, let your voice be heard in Washington. Let the President know you agree with his thoughts on the need to boost wages and create new jobs. Meanwhile, keep your message to Congress simple. Join us and many unions in asking for #JobsNotCuts.