South Florida Immigration Clinic Helping Members Become Citizens
by Namita Waghray | November 04, 2016
AFSCME President Lee Saunders tours the South Florida AFL-CIO CLC’s Citizenship Clinic. (Photo by Lisa Hubbard/AFL-CIO)
Maria Leyani, a Miami-Dade school bus driver and longtime member of AFSCME Local 1184, recently completed her application to become a U.S. citizen. Maria and her husband – both immigrants from El Salvador – finished their applications at the South Florida AFL-CIO CLC's Citizenship Clinic on October 22.
“When I heard that the union was offering this service to its members and their families, I decided that I would seize the opportunity,” said Leyani, who had previously balked at the $6,000 an immigration attorney wanted to complete her and her husband's applications.
AFSCME President Lee Saunders recently joined Florida AFSCME members to tour the Citizenship Clinic, a joint project of the Florida Immigration Coalition and the Florida AFL-CIO. “Our members are committed to this program and have consistently told us this should be a priority for our union,” said Andre Madtes, executive director of AFSCME 979 and the President of South Florida CLC. “AFSCME Florida members not only benefit from this program – they are volunteering for it as well.” Madtes says helping members become citizens only adds to the union's bargaining strength.
Leyani is looking forward to voting. “While we are not eligible to vote for this presidential election,” she said, “my husband and I will be voting in next year’s city and county races. We will never miss another presidential or local election ever again and we plan on becoming civically engaged as soon as we become U.S. citizens next year!”
The South Florida CLC's next immigration clinic is scheduled for December 6.
More Than 1,000 AFSCME Members Flood Battleground States
by Kevin Zapf Hanes | November 03, 2016
AFSCME members converged on Ohio to get out the vote in this year’s crucial election. (Photo by Ove Overmyer)
For the past two months, not a weekend has passed without AFSCME members descending on battleground states. Members from New York, Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts and California awoke at the crack of dawn to board buses bound for battlegrounds like Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Hampshire and Nevada. Members knocked tens of thousands of doors and made hundreds of phone calls to get out the vote throughout our country.
Getting Out the Vote in the Buckeye State
“When talking to members about this defining election, it is important for them to hear from their fellow union members,” said Yvonne Griffin, City of Cleveland Tax Division. “It is nice to have the extra boots on the ground to help spread the word. We can talk to more people. This is what solidarity looks like.” This election will be won or lost based on our ability to turn out the votes for our candidates.
Key Health Care Issues in the Keystone State
“As a unit clerk at Temple University Hospital, I see how political choices impact people’s everyday life,” said 1199C member, Charlene Cooper. “Sometimes my patients have to make real, sobering decisions about purchasing their medicine,” added Cooper. “Our Senate candidate Katie McGinty and Secretary Hillary Clinton have both said they’ll do everything they can to lower the price of prescription drugs. I’m thankful for my AFSCME sisters and brothers who came to help me spread that message.”
On September 15, AFSCME DC 33, along with DC 47 and 1199C NUHHCE, co-hosted a huge rally with members from New York DC 37 and 1707 and Maryland Councils 3 and 67. On that Saturday alone, members knocked more than 5,000 doors in Philadelphia.
Living Free in the Granite State
“This election could not be more important,” said Joe Anderson, wastewater mechanic with the city of Nassau. “We are out knocking doors because Right-to-Work-for-Less would be on the ballot if we lose. The extra lift from our New York sisters and brothers reminded us that we are not alone and stronger together.” Members from CSEA/Local 1000 joined the fight on Saturday, October 29th to elect leaders who will fight for workers’ rights. New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan is challenging conservative Senator Kelly Ayotte, and a Hassan victory is key for pro-worker candidates to take back the U.S. Senate.
Keeping that Sterling Dedication to Workers in the Silver State
Following decades of leadership in the U.S. Senate, Harry Reid is retiring, opening up a seat that conservative, anti-worker forces want. “We have worked day and night to fight for our Senate candidate, Catherine Cortez Masto, who will fight for us and stand with Hillary Clinton to nominate a Supreme Court justice who will defend workers’ rights,” said Brian Gordon Milden, Nevada Department of Corrections.
In June of this year, AFSCME held its 42nd International Convention in Las Vegas, where more than 2,000 activists joined Cortez Masto to rally against Donald Trump’s deplorable anti-worker practices in his hotel. Hundreds of members out of California from UC Local 3299 and United Domestic Workers, AFSCME Local 3930, have climbed on buses week after week to keep the fight alive in Nevada.
Major walks are scheduled in all three battleground states until the election. To learn how to help, visit www.wevotewewin.org.
Getting out the vote in the Granite State. (Photo by Therese Assalian)Patrick Wycoff: Helping Strong Unions Stay Strong
November 01, 2016
This article was first published in the Fall 2016 edition of AFSCME Works. Click here to download the full magazine.
Patrick Wycoff, President of Wisconsin Local 48 and District 3 State Employee Representative on Council 32’s Executive Board
In this year's general election, there is only one candidate running for President with a track record of standing for public service workers, fighting for the middle class, and defending collective bargaining rights. That candidate is Hillary Clinton.
This is why Patrick Wycoff is voting for her.
"I started working for the state of Wisconsin in 1998. I took the state job because I needed the good benefits to take care of my wife, my kids and myself. I was lucky enough to get a job, and because of the benefits that AFSCME had fought for, I was able to have a future and to have dignity.
"Fast forward to 2011, and we have a governor who refers to me and all the people that I represent as the ‘haves.’ It was a terrible time in our lives, and the saddest part is that people blamed us for the state's economic problems.
Now there’s a candidate running for President who’s saying the same things. Only it’s not public sector workers who are to blame – it’s Muslims, it's immigrants.
"We need a President who brings us together. We need a President who respects public sector workers – and all of us. We need to elect Hillary Clinton President because she said that strong unions make a strong America. That’s why I’m going to go out and vote for her and work to elect Secretary Clinton as President of the United States."
Cynthia Johnson: Standing Firm on Social Security
November 03, 2016
Cynthia Johnson, Secretary-Treasurer, Retiree Chapter 108
In this year's general election, there is only one candidate running for President with a track record of standing for public service workers, fighting for the middle class, and defending collective bargaining rights. That candidate is Hillary Clinton.
This is why Cynthia Johnson is voting for her.
"The reason I support and will vote for Hillary Clinton is that she is standing firm on Social Security and Medicare. I learned about the importance of Medicare and Social Security because of my father.
"As he got older, he started having hip problems and went to a surgeon, who asked him, ‘How did you physically get into this room?’ He said, ‘I walked.’ The doctor pointed to the X-rays and said, ‘There’s no way you should be able to walk because you are bone on bone and it’s deteriorating.’
"My father had to have both hips replaced. Because he had Medicare, my sister and I didn’t have to take out any major loans for him to have surgery. He was self-employed, so the only thing he has to live on in retirement is Social Security.
"It’s not a lot of money, but it lets him sustain himself in a moderate lifestyle. It’s important for him, and everyone in the United States who depends on Social Security, that we protect this program."
Jerry Jones: Putting an End to Private, For-Profit Prisons
November 02, 2016
This article was first published in the Fall 2016 edition of AFSCME Works. Click here to download the full magazine.
Gerald “Jerry” Jones and Hillary Clinton.
In this year’s general election, there is only one candidate running for President with a track record of standing for public service workers, fighting for the middle class, and defending collective bargaining rights. That candidate is Hillary Clinton.
This is why Jerry Jones is voting for her.
"I've been in corrections for 20 years in the state of Iowa. People don’t understand what I do. I deal with people. Somebody’s son. They’re somebody’s father, brother, friend. And someday they’re going to be your new neighbors.
"Prisons are really a misunderstood place. There are a lot of strong emotions in a prison — anger, depression and mental illness. And my job is to help the inmates get through their day. By doing that I think I’m adding a lot of value to society in general. My job builds and strengthens communities, and makes the world a better place.
"My profession deserves respect. I believe we need a President that values our jobs and that person is Hillary Clinton. She’s promised to put an end to private prisons and detention centers. She knows our sacrifice and our commitment to our communities."
Latina Equal Pay Day
November 01, 2016
Latinas are paid just 54 cents for every dollar earned by white, non-Hispanic men. (Courtesy LCLAA)
Today is Latina Equal Pay Day, the day in 2016 when Latinas have finally been paid the same amount that white, non-Hispanic men made in 2015. That’s right: it takes more than 22 months for Latinas to earn what white men earn in 12.
Join leaders, advocates and influencers across the nation who are pledging to take action as champions of gender parity — not only for Latina Equal Pay Day, but for every day. Learn more on social media with the hashtags #LatinaEqualPay and #Trabajadoras.
Mark Lawrence: Strengthening Healthcare Insurance
November 01, 2016
This article was first published in the Fall 2016 edition of AFSCME Works. Click here to download the full magazine.
Mark Lawrence, Retiree, Pennsylvania National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees (NUHHCE) / AFSCME Chapter 1199C.
In this year’s general election, there is only one candidate running for President with a track record of standing for public service workers, fighting for the middle class, and defending collective bargaining rights. That candidate is Hillary Clinton.
This is why Mark Lawrence is voting for her.
"As a retiree, I face so many challenges – medical, dental, vision and pharmacy. Since I lost some of my medical benefits when I left work, I had to purchase outside insurance on top of Medicare.
"Each time I go to physical therapy or do other things for my health, I’m faced with larger copays, plus premiums have gone up.
"Hillary is more aware of the concerns and needs of people like me. I’m turning to Hillary because she stands for those 60 and older. She always stands on what she says."
John Taylor: Protecting the Safety Net
November 01, 2016
This article was first published in the Fall 2016 edition of AFSCME Works. Click here to download the full magazine.
John Taylor is an AFSCME retiree member in Iowa Chapter 61.
In this year’s general election, there is only one candidate running for President with a track record of standing for public service workers, fighting for the middle class, and defending collective bargaining rights. That candidate is Hillary Clinton.
This is why John Taylor is voting for her.
"I’m retired and a disabled veteran. I come from a family of men and women who’ve served our country. My father is a veteran, he’s 96 years old, he’s living in a veterans home in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he’s getting good care.
"Hillary is the only candidate I can trust to keep these things in place. Some lawmakers want to privatize Social Security, which means give it to their buddies on Wall Street.
"If you want someone who will have our best interests at heart, as opposed to the interests of the 1 percent, then elect Hillary for the job."
Linda Wise: Making Education Affordable
November 02, 2016
This article was first published in the Fall 2016 edition of AFSCME Works. Click here to download the full magazine.
Linda Wise is an AFSCME member in Local 1224, Council 13.
In this year’s general election, there is only one candidate running for President with a track record of standing for public service workers, fighting for the middle class, and defending collective bargaining rights. That candidate is Hillary Clinton.
This is why Linda Wise is voting for her.
"I support Hillary because she supports college affordability. She knows the cost of college right now is astronomical. It’s so important that young folks attend school, but they can’t afford it.
"My daughter is a single parent with two loans — she’s almost done paying them, she’s coming through the tunnel. But lots of students still live with their parents because they can’t afford to move away. And their parents or grandparents can’t retire because they’re helping pay off the loans.
"Hillary knows about the cost of college and she believes in affordable education."
Mikky Anne Carlson: Working to Create a Strong Middle Class
November 04, 2016
This article was first published in the Fall 2016 edition of AFSCME Works. Click here to download the full magazine.
Michael “Mikky” Anne Carlson is a Retiree member in Iowa Chapter 61
In this year’s general election, there is only one candidate running for President with a track record of standing for public service workers, fighting for the middle class, and defending collective bargaining rights. That candidate is Hillary Clinton.
This is why Mikky Anne Carlson is voting for her.
"When I was growing up, my family lived the American Dream. My parents owned a home and their mortgage had a reasonable interest rate. Child care was affordable. I was able to go to college on a Stafford loan and other programs that just don’t exist today. I’m very concerned that the next generation won't be able to achieve the American Dream.
"When I became an adult I started to see the connection between affordable housing and the middle class. When I became a state worker, the program that I ran helped nearly 3,000 first-time home buyers annually. I am proud of that work to build a stronger Iowa community.
"Home ownership is an underpinning of the American Dream. I was able to enjoy a middle class lifestyle in part because I am a union member and a homeowner. Now that I’m retired, I depend on my pension. I support Hillary Clinton because she understands that connection between unions and the middle class. She’ll do the things we need to do to have a strong middle class America. Hillary will protect my pension."
