Strong Economy Needs Robust Public Sector

by James Parks, Sep 15, 2009

AFT President Randi Weingarten led much of Tuesday’s convention discussions.

We will not have a strong economy without a strong public sector. Over the past decade, the budgets of state and local governments have been decimated by tax cuts and the recession.

Today, delegates to the AFL-CIO Convention recognized the economic free fall not only threatens the stability of the economy, but also jeopardizes the welfare of our most vulnerable citizens, public safety and health and the protection of our environment.

Metropolitan Detroit AFL-CIO President Saundra Williams said conservatives have demonized government for decades, leading to official neglect and disinvestment in public services. Government responsibilities have been privatized or outsourced.

The results are clear, whether it’s the tragically slow and inadequate response to Hurricane Katrina or the financial crisis, which shows the consequences of failing to regulate corporate behavior.

Privatizing and outsourcing have failed, Williams said. Instead, they have led to a shadow government that costs more, provides fewer services and is less accountable to taxpayers.

AFSCME member Mike Fox was one of the delegates speaking on the resolution, saying:

Every day public workers are behind the scenes making America happen. The conservative mantra of cutting government means cutting people with good union jobs and cutting vital services when they are deeply needed.

Delegate John Gray from AFT laid it on the line, saying:

All of us are in this together. We need to support  a strong public sector—the employees on whom a vibrant society depends.

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