A Government by the People, for the People
April 26, 2017
Categories:
AFGE National President, Government Standard
A Message from AFGE's National President J. David Cox Sr.
Sisters and Brothers,
Once again, Congress has delayed action on their most important, most basic duty – funding the federal government. Unfortunately, the uneasiness that comes with wondering if we’ll be locked out of work has become familiar over the last few years.
Shutdown threats have been spurred by a few lawmakers who felt their own agendas were more important than keeping the government open, protested the Affordable Care Act, nearly failed to meet their obligations for our brothers and sisters of the United Mine Workers. This just isn’t the way Congress is supposed to work.
At the same time, the American people have never been more aware of how important their government is to their day-to-day lives. Congress has been flooded with calls and emails. Hundreds of people have questioned their lawmakers at district town halls, and tens of thousands have rallied across the country to ensure our government works for all Americans.
People are watching, listening, and taking action. That’s why it’s critical that your story – how budget cuts would impact you, your community, and our nation – are told. Please visit our AFGE Submit a Story webpage and tell us why the proposed $52 billion in budget cuts would hurt your ability to serve the American people. When you submit your story make sure that you’re on your personal computer, not on duty time, and provide your personal, non-work email address.
We know that the facts are on our side. We know that veterans are better-served at the VA than at for-profit health care institutions. And that the EPA protects the health and safety of the American people. We have proof that federal prisons are better suited and more effective than private prisons. And that public servants at TSA, the Department of Defense, D.C. government, and many other agencies make sure our government is run by the people and for the people.
Throughout this budget season, some lawmakers will no doubt do their best to hand over our government to private corporations. Every day – whether you think your lawmaker stands with you or not – you should be calling, emailing, and visiting their offices. They need to be reminded continuously that they are accountable to us, the American people.
So, despite the headlines about massive, crippling proposed budget cuts, here’s the good news: We’ve got the facts on our side and we’ve got the people to spark a movement.
In Solidarity,
J. David Cox Sr.
AFGE National President
