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LETTER TO THE EDITOR |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Kevin Murphy |
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June 15, 2009
To the Editor:
Last November, there was a national mandate for change as the result of the presidential election. I believe that this mandate for change can only result by implementing new national policies, rather than just delivering a new message.
Many of us came together to build a better America after being inspired by the "Yes, we can" attitude of the Obama/Biden presidency. It appears that the "Yes, we can" philosophy remains strong, which is critical to overcoming the many challenges that command our attention as hard-working families.
In these tough economic times, it is imperative that we preserve and protect the middle class, because Pennsylvania would not survive without them. In particular, I believe giving workers the ability to bargain with their employers is one way we can strengthen the middle class. However, I have seen many residents within my legislative district unfairly affected by current federal labor law restrictions.
Fortunately, I believe there is a piece of federal legislation that would help families survive -- the Employee Free Choice Act. This legislation would help hard-working Americans in the labor industry - like many in my community – gain the freedom to choose a union and bargain collectively. Unfortunately, the proposal was blocked by a U.S. Senate Republican filibuster after the House passed it on March 1, 2007.
My colleagues and I in the state House of Representatives are working on a resolution that would urge the U.S. Congress to pass the Employee Free Choice Act. I hope that you will join us in the fight for fair labor standards by contacting your U.S. senator and voice your support of this proposal.
Hardworking Pennsylvanians facing this tough economy are counting on us to come together and use the "Yes, we can" attitude to help them survive.
Respectfully,
Rep. Kevin Murphy, D-Lackawanna
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