Dear AFSCME Family,

The rubber is about to meet the road in the fight to make sure Congress funds the front lines. Senators are back in session, and they need to hear from us. They will hear from us.

We have new national television ads that we’re running on cable news stations beginning today. They explain in clear, stark terms what’s at stake right now for us and the people we serve.

Watch the ad – then demand that your senator take action now.

Here’s the bottom line: We need at least $1 trillion in financial assistance to states, cities, towns and school districts.

Without this aid, the public services that sustain our communities will be cut to the bone. Without it, more AFSCME members will be laid off or furloughed — even though our life-saving work is more important than ever during a global pandemic. Without it, schools can’t safely reopen in the fall. Without it, the economy will slip into a depression.

You’d think after two weeks of vacation that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell would be ready with a bill that tackles the problem. Instead, he has announced a plan focused on protecting corporations from lawsuits instead of empowering working people.

So, this is the moment to raise our voices. Eighty-four percent of Americans support a $1 trillion aid package. The consensus among experts is that we need this aid to end this recession. Senators need to know that they can’t ignore public opinion or allow the economy to tank.

Our new ads will run on CNN, MSNBC and Fox News — all the channels our lawmakers watch, the channels running in senators’ offices all day long.

Check out the ad, then contact your senator and tell them: Fund The Front Lines.

Thank you for everything you’ve done over the last several months to ensure we have the resources to keep serving our communities at this pivotal moment. It’s time for a big push. Let’s get it done.

In solidarity,

Lee Saunders

AFSCME President