WHEREAS:

Millions of Americans have lost jobs due to corporate America's strategy of downsizing, joint ventures and closure of plants to gain astronomical profits while our cities' infrastructures are decaying; and

WHEREAS:

The gang of 73 is repelling minimum wage additions, blocking health care benefits and favoring the principal players of Wall Street. Middle America is continually suffering from high unemployment with the prospect of more jobs to be lost in the near future; and

WHEREAS:

H.R. 1591 has Congressional co-sponsorship of Martinez (California) and McDermott (Washington), who have realized the need for a nationwide public works jobs bill that would provide jobs for Americans to restore our cities and public facilities; and

WHEREAS:

H.R. 1591 will appropriate $25 billion immediately to begin the restoration of America, and provide $45 billion per year from 1996 to 2000, to continue rebuilding our economic infrastructure; and

WHEREAS:

H.R. 1591 stipulates that all jobs created by this bill will meet fair labor standards, anti-discrimination provisions, health and safety standards, and other worker protections. Additionally, it will provide apprenticeship programs for youth of protected classes as well as those who meet low economic standards; and

WHEREAS:

The Washington State Labor Council, as well as 25 local unions within King County, have endorsed H.R. 1591.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

We the members of AFSCME endorse this bill and urge full support to work for its immediate enactment; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME urge the U.S. House of Representatives' full support for the passage of this legislation for jobs for Americans to rebuild the infrastructure of our cities.

SUBMITTED BY:

Walter Prentiss, President and Delegate
Linda Voight, Secretary
AFSCME Local 843, Council 28
Washington