WHEREAS:

The Bush Administration is promoting a variety of strategies designed to shrink federal support for human services programs; and

WHEREAS:

Converting entitlement and federal direct grant programs into block grants is one of these strategies; and

WHEREAS:

Block grants are usually combined with funding cuts and reduced federal standards and protections; and

WHEREAS:

The Social Services Block Grant, which had once been an uncapped entitlement to states for social services, has lost 80 percent of its purchasing power relative to its initial block grant funding level in fiscal year 1977; and

WHEREAS:

Block grants leave state and local governments with fewer resources even as they face record-breaking budget shortfalls; and

WHEREAS:

Programs that serve mainly cities are hit hardest by budget cuts caused by block grants; and

WHEREAS:

Vitally important programs for AFSCME members and our clients are at risk of conversion into block grants, including Medicaid, Head Start, foster care, Food Stamps, unemployment insurance, the Employment Service, Workforce Investment Act job training programs, the State Child Health Insurance Program, and Section 8 vouchers.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME opposes any federal legislation that would convert an entitlement or direct grant program into a capped-funded block grant.

SUBMITTED BY:

Sally Davies, President and Delegate
Royce Treadaway, Secretary and Delegate
AFSCME Council 92
Maryland