AFGE Local 1975 Condemns Congressional Mandate for $1 Billion Cut to D.C.'s Budget

WASHINGTON - March 12, 2025 - PRLog -- The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 1975, representing District government employees, strongly opposes Congress's latest move to force a $1.1 billion reduction in D.C.'s locally funded budget. This unprecedented federal overreach undermines the District's autonomy and directly threatens the services that D.C. residents rely on daily.

On March 11, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution that would revert D.C. spending to Fiscal Year 2024 levels—ignoring the already-approved budget and imposing devastating cuts across public safety, education, transportation, and healthcare. Mayor Muriel Bowser has warned that the cuts would have to be absorbed in just six months, amplifying the damage to essential services.

"This is nothing short of an attack on D.C. and the people who live and work here," said Joey Davis, President of AFGE Local 1975. "Congress has no business dictating how our locally raised tax dollars are spent. This reckless mandate will force layoffs, reduce public safety, and cripple critical services—all while completely disregarding the will of D.C. residents and elected officials."

The potential impacts of these forced cuts include:

• Public Safety: Deep funding reductions to the Metropolitan Police Department and Fire & Emergency Medical Services, leading to fewer first responders and longer emergency response times.
• Education: Budget constraints on D.C. Public Schools and public charter schools, risking teacher layoffs and larger class sizes.
• Public Transportation: Service reductions for WMATA, causing delays and disruptions for daily commuters.
• Health and Human Services: Cuts to healthcare, housing assistance, and social services programs that support low-income and vulnerable residents.

D.C. generates and controls the vast majority of its own budget, with federal contributions making up less than 1% of total funding. This forced cut does nothing to reduce federal spending—it simply harms D.C. workers, families, and communities.

AFGE Local 1975 demands that the Senate reject this unjust provision and calls on all D.C. residents and allies to stand up against Congressional interference. The workers who keep this city running should not be used as pawns in political games.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Joey Davis
President, AFGE Local 1975
Phone: (586) 904 - 3991
Email: Joey.VPDMV.AFGELocal1975@gmail.com

About AFGE Local 1975
AFGE Local 1975 represents District of Columbia government employees, advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and the protection of public services that benefit all D.C. residents.