For Immediate Release
Tuesday, June 27, 2000
AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer William Lucy Says Union Efforts Will Result in Victory in November
NOTE: This press release has been edited to comply with Federal Elections Commission regulations.
PHILADELPHIA, PA. —William Lucy, secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), told some 6,000 delegates and guests of the AFSCME convention that their union has the best political program of any national union and that regaining a pro-worker Congress and maintaining the White House is possible. "From the first caucus in Iowa through Super Tuesday primaries and beyond, our people have been on the front lines. As we head toward November, we are prepared for battle and we are clear in our mission."
During his address to the convention Lucy reflected on the past — reminding delegates of what America was like during the Reagan-Bush era and the condition of the country. "While Reagan slept through the first eight years and Bush stumbled through the last four, their wealthy allies promoted policies that returned us to the era of states’ rights. During these years, the Reagan-Bush White House remained totally committed to the concept of welfare for the rich, while allowing poor and working Americans to fend for themselves."
In a stark comparison, Lucy noted how the county began to turn around in 1992, with a balanced federal budget; increased investments; dramatically decreased unemployment; increased home ownership and increased family and disposable incomes. "George W. Bush says he must save the nation from the economic catastrophe that faces us. Just what in the hell is the catastrophe? That working people can now buy food for their table and clothe their children? … Is the catastrophe that working people in the year 2000 may be able to send their children to college in hopes of a better life? Is that what he wants to save us from, brothers and sisters?"
Lucy warned delegates that, a tough campaign is ahead. "George W. Bush believes exactly what he is told he believes — nothing more, nothing less and he will be the standard bearer for his party. By the time November arrives, his wealthy friends will have spent so much money on him that even Bush will believe he knows what he is talking about."
Lucy told delegates that people have grown tired of the ideological warfare that has been waged against the nation since 1994, when the so-called Gingrich Revolution took over. "We must get back to a time where political dialogue is once again a competition between ideas and issues, not merely between fads and fashions."
Lucy made clear that electing a pro-worker Congress is AFSCME’s top priority and promised an aggressive effort. "We will fight in every state, every congressional district, every precinct. "We will concede defeat nowhere. We will seek victory everywhere."
- Prepared remarks of Secretary-Treasurer William Lucy
