WHEREAS:

A plebiscite has been authorized by the Congress for the people of Puerto Rico to choose the option under which they will either continue or end their relationship with the United States; and

WHEREAS:

The U.S. Congress is currently studying the three alternatives — statehood, enhanced commonwealth, and independence — and the conditions of each as they should appear in the plebiscite; and

WHEREAS:

With the changes sweeping Eastern Europe and the movement toward freedom in South Africa it is imperative that the status of the people of Puerto Rico be clearly defined and determined in keeping with their own free choice; and

WHEREAS:

It is important for all Americans — not just the American citizens in Puerto Rico — to participate in the discussions and examination of the plebiscite issues and to become familiar with the importance of a free and open choice by the people of Puerto Rico; and

WHEREAS:

All Americans — through the U.S. Congress — will have a voice in the final determination of Puerto Rico's status. American citizens of Puerto Rican descent, wherever they may reside, should have the right to voice their opinion in the plebiscite.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That the U.S. Congress should move promptly to make it possible for Puerto Ricans freely to voice their opinions in a plebiscite on the future of Puerto Rico; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That the U.S. Congress should declare its intention to abide by the decision of the people of Puerto Rico once they have spoken in a fair and democratic plebiscite; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That the U.S. Government shall take all steps necessary, including Federal intervention and invitations to international observers, to assure the fairness and openness of the plebiscite on Puerto Rico's status; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That the U.S. Congress should provide that all Americans of Puerto Rican descent, including those of whose parents at least one was born in Puerto Rico, shall have the right to vote in the plebiscite; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That the U.S. Congress shall provide that in none of the options that Puerto Ricans will be voting on will English be established as the only official language; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME shall conduct an educational program among its members about the options involved in the plebiscite, explaining the implications for all AFSCME members and their families for the purpose of developing greater understanding and appreciation for the importance of the plebiscite to all Americans.