STOP LAYOFFS, FURLOUGHS AND PAY CUTS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

WHEREAS, state and local government employers across the country have called for and implemented widespread layoffs, extensive furloughs and cuts in pay for public employees; and

WHEREAS, these cuts have reduced the responsiveness and effectiveness of government during this time of greatest need; and

WHEREAS, these retrenchments have harmed important programs that provide strength and support to the young, the aged, the handicapped and the poor as well as programs that benefit our transportation system, infrastructure, entrepreneurs and communities throughout the nation; and

WHEREAS, the recent economic crisis has reduced tax revenues for state and local government; and

WHEREAS, the federal stimulus program has been extremely helpful in protecting state and local government employees, but this funding will end in 2011; and

WHEREAS, the tax gap between the amount of taxes owed to state and local government and the amount that is actually paid continues to grow and since the wealthiest individuals and corporations are most likely to avoid paying their fair share of taxes; and

WHEREAS, state tax revenues from sales taxes are continuing to decline as a result of growing Internet sales where Internet retailers are able to avoid sales tax requirements; and

WHEREAS, there is a continuing need for stable, fair and equitable revenues to support the quality services provided by state and local government:

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers work with state and local affiliates to help stop the layoffs, furloughs and cuts in pay for state and local government employees across the country; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT continue efforts to support the construction and revision of tax systems at every level of government to provide stable, reliable and sufficient sources of revenue for the important services provided by state and local government; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT work with affiliates, community leaders and politicians to come up with alternatives to cuts in state and local government employees and the services they provide; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT help publicize the important role of government, at every level, in protecting our society and improving our way of life; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT encourage organizing and help build our union around the important issues of support for public employees and the quality services they provide to all Americans.