1. United States
2. N.J.
3. Letter

Subject: Urgent Opposition to Proposed Cuts to Federal Employee Pay and Benefits Dear [Senator/Representative] [Last Name], I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed cuts to federal employee pay and benefits outlined in the recent budget proposals by the Republican Study Committee. These proposals threaten to undermine the integrity and effectiveness of our federal workforce, which is essential to the functioning of our government and the services it provides to the American people. The proposed changes include eliminating automatic pay raises, reducing retirement benefits, increasing employee contributions to retirement plans, and shifting health benefits to a premium support system. Additionally, the proposals aim to make it easier to fire federal employees and reduce civil service protections. These measures would not only negatively impact the livelihoods of dedicated public servants but also hinder the government’s ability to attract and retain talented individuals. Federal employees already earn, on average, less than their private-sector counterparts when accounting for total compensation. Further reducing their benefits and protections would exacerbate this disparity and could lead to a decline in the quality of public services. Moreover, the proposed cuts could have broader economic implications. For instance, reducing the workforce and weakening the IRS could lead to significant losses in government revenue due to decreased tax enforcement, as noted by former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers. This would ultimately increase the federal deficit, counteracting the intended fiscal goals of the budget proposals. I urge you to oppose these detrimental changes and to advocate for policies that support and strengthen our federal workforce. Maintaining fair compensation, robust benefits, and strong protections for federal employees is crucial for the effective operation of our government and the well-being of our nation. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.