Contact Jeff Pittman, 443.509.4269 or jpittman@afscmemd.org   

 

AFSCME Local 557 members (Clifton T. Perkins) hold press conference calling for the Legislature to Budget for Safety, 02.15.12

--Hundreds Demanded Lawmakers Save State Services --
--Unveiled Surprising State Spending Report--

(Annapolis—MD)--As lawmakers consider more budget cuts, state and higher education employees gathered in Annapolis Monday evening to call on legislators to “Save State Services.” At the event, union leaders released a surprising report on the State of Maryland's tax expenditures, and spending on contracted services which is now more than 30 percent of the state budget.

As Maryland's correctional facilities, foster care, public health facilities, juvenile services, and other agencies face significant cutbacks; AFSCME’s report sheds light on other specific state expenditures. The report also details comprehensive budget solutions including a full review and repeal of certain tax expenditures that could total more than 318 million dollars. AFSCME is also calling for a reduction in state contracts, the enactment of combined reporting and a continuation of the millionaires’ tax.

According to AFSCME Maryland Director, Patrick Moran who spoke at the rally, “Our report that shows the State of Maryland is spending more and more on overpriced contracted services. These are services that could be performed by qualified, experienced state workers. Over the past three years, 3,500 state employee positions have been cut. During that same three years, tax giveaways have increased by 15 percent and contract spending has increased by 30 percent.”