WHEREAS:

Reform of the nation's employment security system, to make it more responsive to the modern economy, is long overdue; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME, along with other representatives of organized labor, state agencies and the employer community, negotiated a consensus package of unemployment insurance reforms; and

WHEREAS:

The consensus reform package was a balanced one that improved access to unemployment insurance benefits for low wage and part-time workers, guaranteed adequate administrative funding based on workload needs and repealed a small part of the federal unemployment tax; and

WHEREAS:

President Bush has submitted an unemployment insurance reform plan that turns its back on the consensus reform package. President Bush's so-called "New Balance" plan really is a "No Balance" plan that gives employers a $35.5 billion tax cut and provides no improvements for workers; and

WHEREAS:

President Bush's plan also would transfer to the states the full cost and responsibility for state unemployment insurance and employment services operations. This devolution of responsibility will put pressure on state benefit policies without ensuring that states will have adequate resources to finance their administrative costs.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME urges Congress to reject President Bush's devolution plan and to adopt, instead, a balanced reform plan that builds on the framework of the consensus reform package and provides meaningful improvements in the employment security system for workers.

SUBMITTED BY:

Bill Fendel, President and Delegate
Kathy Hanratty, Secretary
AFSCME Council 24
Wisconsin