Don’t thank me with a pink slip

I am a social services specialist and a proud member of the Washington Federation of State Employees (AFSCME Council 28). My job is to determine the best interests of a child who has become a ward of the court: to be reunited with his or her family, raised by another relative, or placed in an adoptive home.

My job is dangerous on a typical day, but the COVID-19 pandemic has raised the stakes. But this work is essential to keep kids safe, and that is why I am proud to be a public service worker.

Right now, public service workers across the country are maintaining essential services – all too often without the health and safety resources they need. We appreciate the thanks we receive from neighbors and members of our community, but budget cuts are threatening our jobs. I don’t want to be thanked with a pink slip.

As Congress deliberates on another relief package, AFSCME members join our voices in calling on them to invest in our states, cities and towns so that the vital services we provide don’t get cut.

The reporting of domestic violence and child neglect has dropped significantly with COVID-19 because victims and teachers are unable to report it. Victims are locked in their homes with their abusers, there’s no outlet for getting help. These children live every day in danger, don’t subject them to further pain by cutting budget that stop them from getting help.

Kristina Johnson-Short

Colville