WHEREAS:

The Constitution of the United States provides the basic right of representation for all citizens; and

WHEREAS:

There are over 600,000 people who reside in the District of Columbia who are denied the basic constitutional right of full voting Congressional representation; and

WHEREAS:

District of Columbia residents pay taxes, serve in the military, are affected by unemployment, crime, foreign policy and other issues, yet are not represented by a vote in Congress; and

WHEREAS:

Congress in 1978 passed the D.C. Voting Rights Amendment and several states have ratified it, additional states must ratify the amendment by 1985 to secure full Congressional representation for D.C. citizens.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME supports and will continue to work for the ratification of the D.C. Voting Rights Amendment; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME Councils in states where the amendment has not been passed add ratification to their agenda and pursue its passage; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME will encourage and assist state and local caucuses to join, and if needed, exert leadership in existing coalitions, and if a coalition does not exist, take the initiative to form coalitions that will support and advance this cause.

SUBMITTED BY:

Ernest B. Crofoot, Delegate
AFSCME Local 44, Council 67
Baltimore, Maryland

Louise DeBow, DC 37 Women's Committee Delegate
Local 420
Victor Gotbaum, International Vice President and Executive
Director
Council 37
New York, New York