Weekly Update: Local Businesses and Labor Push for Climate Change

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Thanks to everyone who filled out our survey last week - there were some great answers, strong opinions, and good ideas! We want to hear from you more often. One of the best ways to let us know what you're thinking, and to get information on interesting articles, events and happenings throughout the week is to become a fan on facebook or follow us on twitter. Check it out at www.facebook.com/OregonAFL-CIO and @ORStrongVoice.

Legislative Session Update

The short, 4 week, legislative session is almost 3/4 over. Because there is so little time many bills that need a few tweaks won't get passed. Here's an update on a couple of important bills we've been watching:

• SB 1045 - Jobs Applicant Fairness Act - passed Senate, currently being considered by the House

The case for this bill, which would prohibit employers from running background checks on jobs applicants except in a few specific industries, has been made by the recession. Too many people have seen their credit scores plummet as they look for work in an unforgiving economy. Their current credit score shouldn't keep them from getting a job and getting back on their feet!

• HB 3651 - Prevailing Wage on Solar Projects - passed House, under consideration in the Senate

Prevailing Wage insures that public projects pay the standard area wage. Prevailing wage makes sense for two reasons. First, it allows all businesses to compete for a project. Second, it just doesn't make sense for our tax dollars to pay low wages that will leave Oregonians dependent on tax-funded services.

In Other News...

Another Voice for Climate Change Legislation

One of the bills in Congress right now that many are anxiously awaiting to see passed is comprehensive climate change legislation. Many businesses are now adding their voices to the chorus calling on Congress to pass this bill now. And for good reason. In the words of Jim Hanna, director of environmental impact for Starbucks, in a recent news article: "climate change poses a direct threat to our business; it puts our supply chain at risk."

Along with local northwest businesses, union construction workers who are ready to get to work to help build a clean energy economy are weighing in.

The growing coalition of leaders from business, labor and environmental groups calling for climate change legislation has the potential to create a very powerful movement.

Read more from the local Pacific Northwest businesses that are getting involved and from a local IBEW Rep.

The Recovery Act - Pass or Fail?

The past two weeks have brought a lot of reports on the Recovery Act. About a year in, it has created and saved jobs across the country (there's a map that shows just how many in each state linked to our most recent twitter post here - http://twitter.com/ORStrongVoice). Unfortunately, with the need for job creation still high, many conservatives are trying to gain some political points by saying it hasn't worked. That's just not true.