Spending resolution deadline approaches as AFGE workers face furloughs

Policy Director for the American Federation of Government Employees, Jacqueline Simon, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the latest deadline for spending resolutions that need to be passed by Congress to avoid a government shut down and what that means for AFGE members. She also discussed the Federal Fiscal Commission and why implementing the commission would be a mistake. 

Jan. 19, is the deadline for the first set of spending resolutions to be passed. Simon talked about the state of the majority party in Congress after the infighting in 2023. While there is still a faction of legislators hoping for a shutdown, there should be greater support to pass the spending resolutions on time, Simon said. If they don’t pass a full year of spending to be funded, there could be lasting impacts on government employees.

If the spending resolutions and a potential 2024 budget are not approved, many government employees will be furloughed. The legislators hoping for a government shutdown also believe shutdowns save money, despite several reports stating the opposite, Simon said. She said these legislators have put AFGE members at risk and could create lasting staffing issues in departments already struggling with understaffing.

If created, the Federal Fiscal Commission could bypass elected leadership and make recommendations to cut vital federal programs and services. Simon discussed the similarities between the proposed commission and the failed Simpson-Bowles Bill from 2010. She also talked about the potential cuts and changes the commission could make, including increasing the age to be eligible to receive retirement benefits, eliminating portions of retirement benefits, and potentially requiring many government workers to be furloughed. 

Listen to the show above to learn more about a potential government shutdown and the impact on AFGE workers.