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Hello,
As you know, the national financial crisis has led to state and
local budget shortfalls. Forty-one (41) states face shortfalls
this year, totaling $24 billion for just the 30 states now
reporting. This is on top of the $48 billion in shortfalls that
states experienced last year. State revenues for the three (3)
months ending in September 2008 were the worst since the 2002
recession, dropping 2.7 percent after inflation.
States and municipalities are having to raise taxes, cut
services, and layoff workers to cope. In Ohio, Governor Ted
Strickland has had to adjust the biennial budget numerous times
because of the sharp decline in state revenue.
AFSCME Ohio Council 8 is fighting for fiscal aid for state and
local governments, half for an increased federal match for state
Medicaid spending which could then free up state dollars to
better fund county departments of Jobs & Family Services, the
Local Government Fund and other vital public services.
AFSCME Ohio Council 8 is asking you to please contact your U.S.
Representative to Congress as well as Senators George Voinovich
and Sherrod Brown and ask them to support an economic recovery
package that helps Ohio and the rest of the nation.
Please visit http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/recovery to send
a letter to your representative and Senators Voinovich and
Brown. The letter can be edited should you choose to add your
own comments. Also, the letter can be emailed direct or you may
download and mail it via regular mail. Thank you for your help
in this important matter.
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