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Weekly Update: Veteran's Day Reminds Us...
Veteran's Day Reminds Us...
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Saturday afternoon, while we were enjoying our weekends, our Congressmen were debating healthcare reform. We're sure you've heard by now that the House passed their reform bill with just a few votes to spare. In Oregon, four of our five Congressmen voted for the bill. We need to make sure our Congressmen know that we appreciate their vote in support of Oregon's middle class and hard working families. Please send your Congressman a quick note thanking them for their yes vote on the bill, or call their office, especially if you live in Kurt Schrader's district!
In Honor of Veteran's Day
Why We Need Another Stimulus Package
Just as Wall Street is celebrating an uptick in the economy the national unemployment rate climbed above 10%. In Oregon, where we've had double digit unemployment for months this wasn't very news-worthy. But the news came with another bit of information: the unemployment rate for veterans stands at about 1.5% higher than the national unemployment rate. In Oregon we have an active Helmets to Hard Hats program and the legislature recently enacted laws to protect servicemembers and their families who need time off during periods of conflict. But as Oregonians celebrate Veteran's Day, many union members are taking time to reflect on how we treat our veterans when they return from war.
One way we can help veterans and all Oregonians? Ask Congress to exact another stimulus package. The last stimulus package saved hundreds of Oregon jobs - especially in education and social services. But now we need a stimulus package for the private sector. We need something to get companies hiring, contractors building, and Oregonians - veterans and non-veterans alike - back to work. Each dollar the government puts into stimulus funding is multiplied as you take your paycheck and spend it locally, helping a shop stay in business and keep other people employed, who then also spend their money to keep more local businesses open and our communities vibrant.
Congress is still working hard on health care, and we know the Employee Free Choice Act will be on the agenda soon as well, but Congress can't lose sight of what we need to rebuild our economy - including another stimulus!
Are you a veteran? Sign up to get the Union Veteran Council newsletter on their website.
In Other News
Portland will Celebrate Anniversary of Battle in Seattle
December 5th marks the 10 year anniversary of the protests against the WTO in Seattle. It also happens to coincide with one of the WTO's largest meetings since the Seattle protests, as member-nations continue negotiations to expand the WTO. Portland will host one of dozens of events across the United States (with many more being planned nationally) to tell the WTO what union members, environmentalists, local farmers and ranchers and human rights activists tried to say 10 years ago: unregulated free trade doesn't work - it doesn't work for local manufacturers, it doesn't work for local food producers, it doesn't work for workers in other countries, for the environment, or for consumers. Check back for more updates on the event as we get closer!
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