News release: “New survey research announced today shows that local governments are now facing a fiscal crisis that will force job losses approaching 500,000 and significant cuts in much needed public services. Representatives from the National League of Cities (NLC), United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) and the National Association of Counties (NACo) jointly released the survey results at a press conference on Capitol Hill and were joined by several members of Congress offering their support to cities and counties during these difficult economic times. Local governments are a lifeline for their communities providing essential services to their residents. Unfortunately, according to the survey of local governments, these services are being cut and will continue to be cut over the course of the next 18 months as local governments attempt to balance their budgets in response to the on-going economic crisis. Most of the cuts are coming from public safety, public works, public health, and social services.”