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AFT Resolution

CONSTITUTIONALLY MANDATED FEDERAL BALANCED BUDGET

WHEREAS, the U.S. Senate is considering submitting to the states a constitutional amendment that will mandate a federal balanced budget; and

WHEREAS, if this constitutional amendment should be ratified by the states it would severely tie the hands of the federal government and reduce financial flexibility in time of need; and

WHEREAS, a constitutionally mandated balanced budget may limit national security and the ability of the na­tion to respond in time of need; and

WHEREAS, a constitutionally mandated federal balanced budget will lead to the elimination of education and social programs that would be harmful to the infirmed, elderly, and truly needy; and

WHEREAS, a constitutionally mandated federal balanced budget would cause sharp increases in state and local taxes or cause destruction of all government funded programs:

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers oppose a constitutionally mandated federal balanced budget.

(1986)

Please note that a newer resolution, or portion of a resolution, may have superseded an earlier resolution on the same subject. As a result, with the exception of resolutions adopted at our most recent AFT convention, resolutions do not necessarily reflect current AFT policies.