Listening to Members

In 1996 -- thanks in large part to the Labor '96 campaign -- the issues important to working men and women soared to the top of the national agenda. The effort by organized labor to educate members unleashed an unprecedented response that will serve as the blueprint for the way we communicate in the future. In that spirit, AFSCME Public Employee asked a cross- section of members for feedback on the issues that are important to them in 1997 and beyond. We asked these members the same question: "What would you like the President and the 105th Congress to achieve on behalf of working families?" Following are their thoughtful responses.

Wanda Newman
Sign Language Interpreter
Maryland Local 2250

"I would like for them to reauthorize the Vocational Rehabilitation Act for additional funding for disabled adult education programs and pass the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act on behalf of disabled schoolchildren."

Daniel Archibeque
Case Manager II
Colorado Local 1335, Council 76

"I have an overwhelming concern for welfare reform. Putting welfare recipients in a 'job' without a transition plan puts the jobs of current workers in jeopardy. And what about the recipient's future when the eligibility period is up. Where do they go? Where do the current employees go?"

Gloria Payne
Eligibility Services Worker
Connecticut Local 714, Council 4

"A lower tax structure. ...Also provide tax breaks in the capital gains."

Lowell Craddock
Retiree
West Virginia Retiree Chapter 77

"Lawmakers should remember that Social Security and Medicare are success stories. They serve the needs of millions of Americans-working and retired. Of course, they must be preserved for the next generation, but this should be accomplished with the fewest changes possible. Congress would be foolish to tamper with success."

Brock Logan
Property Control Analyst
Washington Local 618, Council 2

"They should provide for outstanding public education for all, preserving the ability of future generations to obtain family wage jobs with full health care and secure retirement benefits. They should strengthen and expand workplace safety, collective bargaining rights and pension fund protection. In so doing, they must deal responsibly with the economy and deficit, ensuring that taxes are applied fairly and assistance is given to those least able to provide for themselves. A well-paid workforce, secure in its position and in its future, is the strongest guarantee of a thriving economy and a strong America."

Jeannie Scott
Administrative Financial Specialist
Minnesota Local 66, Council 96

"Ensure quality health care for all Americans. President Clinton has led the way to reform quality health care and it's up to the Congress to put together a comprehensive plan that allows all Americans affordable care."

Steve Quick
Heavy Equipment Operator
Indiana Local 725, Council 62

"Low-income people need computer technological training. ...We need cultural diversity training. ...The flow of drugs into this country has got to be stopped!"

Virginia Diogo
Aide to the Handicapped
California Local 257, Council 57

"More funding for education. Medical care for all who need it, including non-citizens. Long-term care for the elderly and disabled. Safety in the workplace. A law to curb excessive profit in health care plans. Laws to protect against child abuse and domestic violence. Voter registration right up to the day of election."

Mark Stodghill
Storekeeper
Oklahoma Local 1180

"A living wage rather than a minimum wage. Affordable college tuition. Strengthen labor laws."

Grace Lewis Tallbrother
Assistance Eligibility Interviewer II
Arizona Local 3187, Council 97

"The President of the United States and the 105th Congress must develop a stronger communication and working relationship with the Navajo nation president in addressing major issues that face the Navajo nation. One of the major issues is the high unemployment rate."

Jeanette Bartley
Licensed Practical Nurse
Florida Local 1328, Council 79

"I would like to see family a priority by making health care, housing and education affordable for all."

By Venida RaMar Marshall