Federal investments in our national service programs are an important way for Congress and the Obama administration to tackle high unemployment and growing poverty across the nation. The almost two-year-long Great Recession appears to be giving way to an incipient economic recovery, but job growth and wage growth will be slow in the months ahead. Providing short-term employment opportunities for jobless youth and helping to build the capacity of nonprofit organizations to transform participants’ long-term career prospects would strengthen the economy and spur economic demand.

The US Constitution requires a national census once every 10 years. The census is used to determine the number of seats each state will have in the U. S. House of Representatives and the boundaries …

A new study finds disturbing developments for young workers between the ages of 18 and 35.  The study blames the downturn in the economy and insufficient government intervention.
Eric Schaffer passes the time trolling the Internet, …

They came to Pittsburgh, heard a host of speeches, elected new officers and passed a raft of resolutions. But did the AFL-CIO convention really accomplish anything?

AFSCME Next Wave is sponsoring the First Annual Toy Drive. We will be collecting toys for children ages newborn to 16 years of age to benefit our Next Generation of union leaders. Please place all …

WASHINGTON — The Senate voted on Saturday to begin full debate on major health care legislation, propelling President Obama’s top domestic initiative over a crucial, preliminary hurdle in a formidable display of muscle-flexing by the Democratic majority.

“Tonight we have the opportunity, the historic opportunity to reform health care once and for all,” said Senator Max Baucus, Democrat of Montana, and a chief architect of the legislation. “History is knocking on the door. Let’s open it. Let’s begin the debate.”

The 60-to-39 vote, along party lines, clears the way for weeks of rowdy floor proceedings that will begin after Thanksgiving and last through much of December.

The Senate bill seeks to extend health benefits to roughly 31 million Americans who are now uninsured, at a cost of $848 billion over 10 years.

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The House passed health care, 220-215.
How did your Rep. vote?
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Please remember that the City’s 2010 Open Enrollment is scheduled for October 19, 2009 through October 30, 2009. During that time employees will be able to log on to the City’s benefits website at www.baltimorecity.essbenefits.com …

The Biennial Convention made history as delegates were re-elected by acclamation as leaders for the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees and the Union movement of the 21st century.  The Convention was held …

Yesterday, September 23, 2009, to discuss the furlough plan the City is seeking to implement. The furlough plan will include mandatory designated days based upon your salary. The mandatory furlough days will require employees …

A big thanks to everyone for helping out with AFSCME’s drive for school supplies! We had such an outpouring from everyone. The drive began on July 8 and went until July 31. We received donations …

Training Sessions include information such as: how to increase the flow of business for independent providers, learn marketing techniques to appeal to new clients, and the opportunity to engage new union members and discuss their issues.