For Immediate Release:
June 28, 2019
Contact: Natalia Pérez Santos, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

AFSCME President Lee Saunders Slams Alaska Governor’s ‘Draconian’ Cuts to State Services

WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders issued the following statement condemning Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s cuts to vital state services that keep Alaska’s communities safe and healthy:

“Today, the governor of Alaska imposed draconian, heartless and needless hardship on the working people of Alaska. With a cavalier stroke of the pen, he slashed critical state services and wiped out the livelihoods of hundreds, if not thousands, of dedicated working men and women who provide those services.  

“The governor’s cuts include $50 million from Medicaid, the elimination of the state’s senior benefits program, and a 41% reduction in higher education funding, to name but a few. 

“Taking the fair and affordable budget passed by the state legislature, the governor did the bidding of anti-worker big business and billionaire CEOs. In his statement he said, ‘We can’t continue to be all things for all people.’ Indeed, Dunleavy showed he is not the governor for any working families – upon whose backs these cuts will be paid. 

“The cuts go against the grain of decency and all that makes Alaska great. AFSCME is one of the largest unions in the 49th state and we will fight as long as it takes to restore the cuts – and decency and fairness –for Alaska’s working families.”

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AFSCME members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in communities across the nation, serving in hundreds of different occupations — from nurses to corrections officers, child care providers to sanitation workers — AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and freedom and opportunity for all working families. 

Natalia Pérez Santos
AFSCME Communications
Office: (202) 429-4309
Cell: (305) 308-9263
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.