“Your calls made a difference,” said AFSCME Ohio Council 8 President John A. Lyall.

“The Senate’s vote march 10th will provide $26 billion to the states to save jobs and help America’s working families. It also sends critically need aid to states to pay for unemployment insurance and Medicaid programs that are being cut to the bone.

Across Ohio and the nation state and local governments are slashing programs that help the unemployed and the working poor survive the Bush Recession. "This legislation is a real lifeline for the people who need these services,” Lyall said.

While this bill will help, the crisis state and local governments face is not going away.   Across Ohio, Council 8 members are facing layoffs, cost saving days and other cost-cutting measures because of massive budget shortfalls that threaten vital public services in every community in the state.

“Thank you for making the calls needed to pass the legislation, but the job is not finished yet.  In the coming days and weeks we will be asking you to phone, e-mail and even visit your Legislators and Congressional representatives.

“We will be asking your to join PEOPLE, AFSCME’s political action program. We have a powerful voice, but it only counts if we use it,” Lyall said.