More Cuts in the Budget?
AFSCME Maryland Director Patrick Moran recently sent this message to members about new budget proposals in Annapolis. You can also read an analysis of the proposal from the Maryland Budget and Tax Policy Institute.
"Several weeks ago, I wrote to let you know that some members in the General Assembly were threatening to gut state services and make even more cuts at the expense of state employees and the people of Maryland. They’ve made good on the threats. On February 23rd, on behalf of the House Republican Caucus, Delegates O’Donnell (District 29C – Calvert, St. Mary’s counties) and Shank (District 2B – Washington county) proposed major cuts that included:
cutting of 1,000 higher education jobs,
layoffs for 500 state employees and
an across the board cut of 1% on all state agencies which could lead to hundreds more layoffs.
Meanwhile, in the Senate, Senators Pipkin (District 36 – Kent, Queen Anne, Cecil and Caroline counties) and Brinkley (District 4 – Frederick, Carroll counties) offered their own plan, SB 1004, which would also eliminate 500 jobs and increase your pension contribution from 5% to 7%.
You can read more about the proposed cuts in this WBAL article: “Republicans Offer Budget Plan with Steeper Cuts”.
Recently, Maryland State Senator Andy Harris (District 7 – Baltimore, Harford counties), appearing on MPT’s “State Circle” program, pushed for even more slashing of state services, saying "I think that jobs are obviously something we should be thinking about; and I applaud the governor for taking the position of creating that tax credit [to promote jobs]. But beyond that there was no talk about making the tough choices about decreasing the size of government. This government has grown and expanded over the past 3 or 4 years and there was no talk today about reigning in the cost."
Make no mistake: the threat posed by the Republican budget is real, and it is essential that they hear from you about why these cuts are a mistake. A mistake for the people who rely on the services and schools in our state, a mistake for the state employees who are already stretched to the limits in their jobs, and a mistake for the future of Maryland.
You can make a difference. You can use your voice to say “NO” to these cuts.
AFSCME is going to Annapolis on March 15th to stand up for the people of Maryland and the priorities of our state. We’re going to let our lawmakers know that we reject the idea that balancing the budget of the backs of employees on the front lines every day. We’re going to let them know we reject the notion that those most in need should bear the biggest burden in these tough times.
We’re going to stand up and fight for what is right. Are you with us?
We’ll be heading to Annapolis on March 15th at 6 PM to rally and tell lawmakers that these cuts are a mistake and that the work that state and higher education employees do is too important to cut without regard for the consequences to the people of Maryland. Call and reserve your spot at the rally today by calling 410-547-1515. We’ll have buses running and food will be provided, but we need you for this to be a successful event. Call today and stand up for what is right.
In solidarity,
Patrick Moran
Director
AFSCME Maryland"
