Mark Zandi, Chief Economist, Moody’s Economy.com, and former advisor to Republican Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign
A robust investment in public services means jobs and a strong economy. All Americans benefit from public services. Police and fire departments, roads and bridges, public schools and well-maintained sanitation and water treatment systems keep our communities safe, healthy and strong. Services such as unemployment insurance, child care and support, food stamps and housing assistance help families get through the rough patches and provide opportunities to achieve the American dream.
However, the “shrink government” policies of the past eight years has led to a deterioration of these services at a time when we need them more than ever. As 30,000 Americans lose their jobs every day, demand for public services is through the roof: one in four U.S. children and 60 percent of nursing home residents now rely on Medicaid for health care, nutrition and other basic needs.
President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was a strong first step toward addressing this crisis by creating or saving nearly four million jobs while investing in public services to meet the increased demand. Now it’s time to do even more to strengthen the community services that Americans rely on in good times and bad – and grow our economy while doing it. As Moody’s Economy.com and former John McCain economic advisor Mark Zandi has noted, every dollar invested in public services yields $1.38 in economic activity.
As the workers on the front lines providing the vital services that keep our communities together and strong, AFSCME members are speaking out for major investments in public services.
