Representative Steve Drazkowski has introduced Right to Work Legislation into the Minnesota legislature.
Representative Drazkowski has not only repeatedly voted against raising the minimum wage, he also voted against legislation that would allocate $4.9 million to the University of Minnesota to research the health issues of taconite workers on the Iron Range. The Iron Range has been an integral part of Minnesota’s economy, and ensuring the health of those who work there is a way of ensuring the health of our communities, altogether. Fortunately Drazkowski’s vote was in the minority, and legislation passed by a 2 – 1 margin. As of May 2010 the University of Minnesota had tested 1,200 taconite workers and 800 spouses for Mesothelioma.
He also voted against legislation that would move to penalize insurance companies that denied health benefits to Minnesotans despite having no “reasonable basis".
Ensuring a healthy work environment, standing up for family-supporting wages, and guaranteeing that Minnesotans are not denied care by their health insurance company are all areas where Representative Drazkowski has failed to stand with us. This leaves me with little confidence that his so-called “Right to Work” bill is in our best interests either.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Indiana: Who is Representative Torr fighting for?
Representative Torr is the sponsor of Right to Work Legislation in Indiana.
Who was Representative Torr fighting for four years ago when he Torr voted against legislation that would require businesses to give employees 60 days notice prior to closing or mass layoff. That same year he voted against legislation that would raise the state minimum wage to $7.50. Fortunately, Representative Torr lost those votes by a margin of 51 to 49 and 71 to 29.
Who was he fighting for three years ago he voted against legislation that would impose penalties on companies that knowingly employ undocumented workers. He lost that vote in the House of Representatives by a margin of 66 – 33.
Two years ago Representative Torr voted against legislation that required contractors and subcontractors employ 90% of their labor from within Indiana if they are to be considered for public works projects. The legislation also stipulated that these contractors should, when possible, purchase products they need for their projects (concrete, steel, etc.) from in-state companies. He lost that vote by a margin of 88 – 11.
These are just a few instances where Representative Torr voted against an overwhelming majority in the state legislature in opposition of legislation that would directly benefit Indiana’s working families.
Michigan: Whose interests do they represent?
When House Speaker Jase Bolger (R-Marshall) indicated last week that he is open to conversations about so-called “Right to Work” legislation, Michigan’s workers should wonder who it is the Representative has been speaking with, because it certainly hasn’t been us.
Bolger claims that “Right to Work” is in the best interests of Michigan’s workers, but does he want us to believe he)was he looking out for us when he voted against the Hire Michigan First Plan? Hire Michigan was a plan to give tax breaks to contractors and businesses that agree to hire residents of Michigan first for job openings here. That means jobs for us!
Someone please explain to me why Representative Bolger, a member of the MichiganWorks! Workforce Development Board and the Small Business Association of Michigan, would vote against legislation that gives preference to companies that hire residents of Michigan! Exactly what kind of work force is he trying to develop? Fortunately there were enough votes in the state House of Representatives to overrule Bolger’s.
Representative Bolger is also a member of the Kalamazoo and Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce, whose parent organization (the Michigan Chamber of Commerce) has been pushing for so-called “Right to Work” legislation. Oddly enough, Bolger has on four separate occasions voted against legislation that would require the Chamber’s members (corporations in the state of Michigan) to give full disclosure of their campaign contributions to state-level candidates. It seems Representative Bolger does have a history of looking out for others when he casts his vote in the state assembly. It’s a shame that he’s not looking out for us.
Missouri: Since when has Senator Crowell fought for jobs or democracy?
Since when has Senator Crowell fought for jobs or democracy?
State Senator Jason Crowell has been a member of the Missouri legislature since 2004, and in a short time he’s sided with the interests of business over the interest of workers a number of times.
In July of last year, Senator Crowell was one of only seven members of the State Senate to vote against legislation that would attract new businesses to Missouri by giving tax breaks to manufacturers that hire new employees in state. In fact, Senator Crowell even broke ranks with eight of his fellow Republicans who voted in support of the Manufacturing Jobs Act. Fortunately the legislation passed with a vote of 20 – 7.
In 2008 Senator Crowell, along with 18 of his fellow Senate Republicans, voted to allow unlimited contributions to candidates running for state office. Previously there was a limit of $5,000 for any contribution to a candidate’s campaign. Like you, my pockets come with a bottom. So, I’m wondering who Senator Crowell had in mind when he pushed to remove the cap on campaign contributions?
Recently Senator Crowell introduced so-called “right to work” legislation into the Senate that, according to him, will be good for Missouri’s workers. Before the legislature acts on this legislation I am hoping that the Senator will explain his vote against the Manufacturing Jobs Act, as well as his vote to allow unlimited campaign contributions. With Crowell being a member of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, I am wondering if “Right to Work” is just another handout to big business that will hurt Missouri’s working families.
Overview articles
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Ohio
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Indiana
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The News Dispatch > News > Local > POLITICAL NOTEBOOK
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New Hampshire
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Missouri
Labor Tribune
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Crowell bill would make Missouri right-to-work state
Cape Girardeau Sen. Jason Crowell wants to let voters decide whether to make Missouri a "right to work" state.
Michigan
Michigan teacher tenure reform back on the table
The Michigan Education Association managed to block House consideration of a teacher tenure change measure in last year's lame duck session when Democrats controlled the chamber. Read More
Outsourcing services wrong move for state, cities, schools
As state and municipal budgets continue to contract, elected leaders from the Governor's office and the state Legislature to city councils and school boards must be ever more vigilant in finding ways to balance their respective budgets.
Minnesota
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Virginia
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For some state legislators, it's not enough that the commonwealth ranks among the most business-friendly states in the country.
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