Across the country, state budgets have reached their lowest point in more than a decade. Brought on by a combination of an economic downturn and tax reductions, which go primarily to the wealthiest members of our society, the budget crisis in 2002 has brought about a reduced capacity by government, at all levels, to provide quality public services. Legislatures across the country cut programs, downsized the work force, laid off employees and reneged on wage and benefit increases. Few political leaders have had the courage to take a different course and advocate for the revenues needed to maintain services and build on successful programs.

In 2002, taxes were at the center of debate at all levels of government. The Bush administration's $1.35 trillion tax cut was compounded by tax cuts at the state and local levels, further restricting government budgets and straining resources for public services.  Even today, President Bush is promoting additional tax cuts under the guise of boosting investor confidence. These proposed tax cuts are certainly not targeted at the 9.8 million people out of work, or the nearly 40 million Americans who don't have health insurance.  Reducing taxes and increasing the deficit is not a formula for getting the economy moving again.

Over the past year, legislatures and governors have opted for program cuts, sending a clear message that quality public services are not the priority they often claim. But we know the true value of government services, and we should take that message to the polls Nov. 5. We know the fiscal challenges that faced our agencies are going to be even more severe in 2003. In fact, the Economic Policy Institute, based in Washington, D.C., estimates that state and local governments as a whole will face an aggregate budget gap of nearly $100 billion by July 2003.

When we go to the polls Nov. 5, let the past year serve as a reminder of the consequences we face when lawmakers take the route of political expediency over the needs of our communities.

In each election, as state, local and federal government employees, we have a unique opportunity to influence public policy within our government. By casting our votes on Election Day for candidates who support government services, by backing those who support adequate budgets for quality services, and by joining together with our brothers and sisters in the union to fund a more effective COPE campaign effort, we can change the direction of public policy and protect the services that our communities need. Without regard to party affiliation, we need to support those politicians who have demonstrated a commitment to better public services.

Together, as a union of public employee professionals, we can take action to further strengthen our communities. We have the expertise and know-how to improve the institutions where our members work. To do this, however, we must become more involved in the campaigns of those who support our programs, and we must build the political action capacity of our union at all levels.

Get out and vote Nov. 5 and contribute to the COPE effort of your local union. The future of our government, the future of our work, depends upon the actions we take now in this election.