Man of the People
By Susan Ellen Holleran
Folks in the Show-Me state have a politican who really represents his constituents.
Marshall, Missouri
On Sept. 4, Missouri State Rep. Jim Seigfreid (D) arrived at the Marshall Habilitation Center at 5:30 a.m., just in time for a shift change. He was there, as part of Mental Health Awareness Week, to "shadow" line workers at this facility for the developmentally disabled. Throughout the shift, he moved from unit to unit, assisting with the most independent as well as the most fragile residents.
His father was a con- struction laborer who became president of his local union, and Seigfreid worked throughout high school as a grocery bagger. Then, after a stint in the U.S. Navy, he returned home to get a union job at the local Safeway. He learned to respect union contracts and the structure they provide for workers.
There to serve
Before running for office, Seigfreid met with members of AFSCME Local 1812 (Council 72) and expressed his support for state-employee collective bargaining legislation. When the bill reached the floor, coverage was not limited to state employees. It included a host of other public workers, particularly teachers, who strongly opposed it. Failing in his effort to amend the bill, Seigfreid voted against it — deeply disappointing our members.
But AFSCME members realized that Seigfreid's heart was in the right place when he introduced a bill to change the state's overtime system, giving workers the option of overtime pay. Currently they receive only comp time. The bill did not pass, but his efforts helped mend fences. Two-way communication improved.
In 2001, Missouri Gov. Bob Holden (D) enacted an executive order authorizing collective bargaining for state workers — a policy Seigfreid strongly supports. He's surprised that management would oppose it: "Where you have so many employees — as at the Hab Center — it would be better to have a contract. The rules are spelled out in black and white."
Now, as state workers bargain for their first contract, Seigfreid remains ready to listen and learn. That is one reason he is here at the Hab Center.
Beyond limitations
When he arrives at her unit, Local 1812 member April Butner has already prepared breakfast and gotten the residents washed and dressed. Seigfreid is surprised at how long it takes them to feed themselves. His next stop: the classroom and activity area where most of the 371 residents — ranging in age from 10 to 87 — spend their day. It takes a lot of creativity to design activities that help them live beyond their limitations.
In the skilled-nursing unit, Seigfreid is overwhelmed by the helplessness of the residents and at the amount of work that goes into caring for them. He recognizes the potential danger for staff and residents.
After the shift ends, he stays to talk with the staff. Back in the legislature, Seigfreid will share his experiences and speak out for the funding and fairness that will help our dedicated workers provide the best care possible.
This portion of the website is posted in full compliance with FEC regulations (11C.F.R. Sect.11 4.5(i)). It is paid for by the AFSCME PEOPLE Committee, with voluntary contributions from union members and their families, and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.
