"Fracking and the Environment: Natural Gas Drilling, Hydraulic Fracturing and Water Contamination"

"Howard Zinn on taxes and class war"

"State of the Dream 2011: Austerity for Whom?"

State of the Dream 2011: Austerity for Whom? from United for a Fair Economy on Vimeo.

"Democratic Policy looking into Marcellus Shale"

SOURCE

The House Democratic Policy Committee held a public hearing at the Harrisburg Area Community College's York Campus today to explore issues related to the growing Marcellus Shale industry in the Commonwealth, said Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster.


State Rep. Eugene DePasquale, D-York, who requested the hearing, served as co-chairman.


“Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale formation has great potential to stimulate our nation's natural gas industry and to invigorate our state's economic recovery," Sturla said. "However, along with the positive impacts on the Commonwealth there are also risks to our environment, infrastructure, drinking water and local communities' resources. I applaud Representative DePasquale for his foresight in requesting this hearing in York to move the dialogue on this critical issue forward."


“It’s vital that we have a balanced approach to Marcellus Shale drilling,” DePasquale said. “I believe a severance tax is necessary to ensure that we have enough inspectors to keep our drinking water clean, to aid the local communities whose infrastructure is impacted by drilling and finally, to make sure Pennsylvania can maintain these items going forward. We must protect our water and land – in addition to the job creation that can come from this.”


Those testifying at the hearing included John Quigley, former secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; Elam Herr, assistant executive director, Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors; Sharon Ward, director, Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center; Kevin West, managing director of external affairs, EQT Corp.; David Masur, executive director, PennEnvironment; Tom Au, conservation chairman, Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter; and Nowell Smith, member, SEIU Local 668.

"Union Busting, Massachusetts Style"

 SOURCE

Pop quiz: What political party, in what state, this week passed a bill in the dead of night stripping public-sector unions of their collective- bargaining powers? Republicans in Wisconsin? The GOP in Ohio or Indiana?

Try Democrats in Massachusetts. Maybe the debate over public-sector benefits isn't all that ideological after all.

That would be the view of Massachusetts Democratic Speaker Robert A. DeLeo, who late Tuesday led an overwhelming majority of his House in passing a bill divesting policemen, firefighters, teachers and other municipal employees of the power to collectively bargain most health-care benefits. The 111-42 vote took place at 11:30 at night, so as to avoid a mass of protesting union workers set to descend on the State House the next day. The cheek.

Then again, Mr. DeLeo (like so many Republicans) seems to understand that there is no longer a choice. The Bay State—precisely because it is the land of union power—is being crushed by its rich public-worker pay and benefits. Its several hundred thousand municipal employees have long had the power to collectively bargain key aspects of their health care—co-pays, deductibles, premiums.

Municipal health costs have as a result averaged near 11% growth annually—for a decade. The average premium is today 37% higher than in the private sector, and one-third higher than premiums for federal plans. The numbers have so exploded that personnel costs—salaries and benefits—are now eating up an astonishing 75% of local Massachusetts budgets.

That's a tipping point that threatens widespread layoffs and the end of basic services. "The huge growth in municipal health-care costs is cannibalizing everything else," Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayer Foundation, tells me. Mr. DeLeo and "other members of the legislature understand that what is at stake is their local schools and hometowns." The unions, in short, have walked Massachusetts so far into a hole that even Democrats can no longer ignore the problem.

The DeLeo bill is a big political event (a "wow" moment, says Mr. Widmer), and it will save cities and towns an estimated $100 million in the upcoming budget year alone. Public employees would have 30 days to discuss health-plan changes with local officials, but at the end of that period officials can set co-pays and deductibles. In a concession, the bill allows local unions to retain bargaining power over their share of premiums, which is more power than what is currently allowed state employees.

Not that this has mollified labor. Robert J. Haynes, president of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, was so irked he forgot to stick to the union script about "rights" and a "war" on the "middle class." He skipped to the real outrage—that the 81 Democrats who voted for the bill were failing to play by the political rules. "These are the same Democrats that all these labor unions elected. The same Democrats who we contributed to in their campaigns," he complained. The unions would fight this to the "bitter end," he vowed. "Massachusetts is not the place that takes collective bargaining away from public employees."

Or maybe it is. Even as the press has obsessed about Wisconsin, Massachusetts—hitting a fiscal wall—has moved quietly on the union front. As early as 2009, Democratic Gov. Deval Patrick signed a transportation bill that stripped bargaining power from public workers for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) by moving them into the state health-insurance system.

The MBTA had been dishing out crazy benefits to its 12,000 workers and retirees, paying an astounding two-thirds more in health-care costs per employee than those paid for state workers. (Only last week, Superior Court Judge Linda Giles tossed out the union lawsuit protesting the switch.) Facing an unfunded pension liability of some $20 billion, Gov. Patrick has also been pushing modest state pension reform. It's a measure of the dire mess in other blue states that Democratic governors in New York (Andrew Cuomo) and California (Jerry Brown) have also dared murmur "pension reform."

Mr. DeLeo isn't backing down. Supported by an array of business and education groups, he applauded those who voted to allow cities and towns "to retain jobs and allot more funding to necessary services." Still, the bill is no sure thing. It now moves to the Senate, where Democratic President Therese Murray has shown no similar backbone. And while Gov. Patrick applauded the House for taking an "important vote," he won't say whether he'd sign it. He's more focused on running from Gov. Scott Walker. "This is not Wisconsin," he insisted. "That's not what the House did."

Wrong. Wisconsin moved to rein in collective bargaining powers that are crushing the state. Massachusetts moved to rein in collective bargaining powers that are crushing the state. The only difference is that Democrats have chosen to portray Mr. Walker's legislation as "union-busting" while presenting their own as necessary reform.

The public, and the press, should take them at their word that it's the latter. The DeLeo bill is a game-changer. It's big, concrete proof that public-employee benefit reform isn't a political game. It's a modern, fiscal necessity, the only thing standing between a state and budget ruin. Just ask Massachusetts Democrats.

"The War on Greed starring Larry the Loophole"

WAR ON GREED

BIGGER THAN A BUDGET

FIRST AMENDMENT CENTER

COMIC BOOK LEGAL DEFENSE FUND(CBLDF)

Ted Kennedy on Republicans and Minimum wage

"Locked out BCBS workers protest downtown "

"Unions rip Comcast over tax loophole"

SOURCE

DUPONT - State and municipal union workers protested outside a Comcast office on Wednesday over a tax loophole that allows companies like the cable television provider to not pay corporate income taxes.

Demonstrators said the so-called "Delaware loophole," in which Pennsylvania companies can incorporate in Delaware to avoid paying corporate income taxes, shortchanges the state from much-needed revenue that can be used to offset proposed cuts this year in funding for education and social-service programs.

Comcast Corp. is based in Philadelphia but has subsidiaries incorporated in Delaware, according to financial filings posted on its website.

A Comcast spokesman declined to comment.

Similar protests, organized by SEIU Local 668, were held in eight other cities across the state, union spokeswoman Leah Wright said.

"Pennsylvania's proposed budget cuts bring members of state workers' union out to protest"

 

SOURCE

CHAMBERSBURG -- Workers rallied Tuesday in Chambersburg against potential budget cuts to human services.

The SEIU Local 668, which represents workers at various state agencies, is calling for a "fair budget" that includes taxing gas companies in the Marcellus Shale region, according to Steven Jarrell, a caseworker and chair of the union's Chapter 8.

A handful of workers on their lunch break held signs toward passing motorists outside the Department of Public Welfare's Norland Avenue office.

"We want the Legislature to pass a fair budget that fully funds social services for our residents," Jarrell said. "We want a budget that funds services for the most vulnerable."

Workers carried signs: "No cuts in human services," "Save the middle class ... Tax gas companies," and "You drill in PA, you pay tax in PA."

With the state facing a projected $4 billion budget shortfall in fiscal year 2011-2012, cuts are looming across the board.

Jarrell said they are asking legislators to close the "Delaware loophole" for corporate taxes and to tax companies extracting natural gas in the Marcellus Shale region.

Gov. Tom Corbett ran on a promise to not tax the gas companies. He said doing so would stunt job growth in Pennsylvania.

"We've met with legislators to get the idea across that there are multiple options," Jarrell said. "We want to see everyone pay their fair share, including gas companies. We want to do our part and find ways to come up with money that don't involve cutting jobs or services." 

Cuts to human services would hurt the most vulnerable populations, Jarrell said. At the same time, demand for services has increased because of the economic downturn.

"We're a huge safety net during these tough economic times. We're seeing some people that we've never seen before," said Judy Golden, a caseworker. "It's time for big businesses to pay their share."

MEDIA ALERT: WIXQ 91.7

During the breakout, a member of Millersville's radio station staff got a few soundbites from some of the participating members. He said it would be aired between 6 - 8 PM on (WC)Wednesday on 91.7 FM.


WIXQ: 91.7 FM

APRIL 26: LANCASTER CAO BREAKOUT

Photos courtesy of Scott Celley & Matt Galen.


WE WANT A BUDGET: FAIR AND JUST!   FOR THE: ELDERLY, THE NEEDY, THE CHILDREN, US!!!

"THERE WAS A TIME IN THIS COUNTRY..."

"Today we will not be silent about it..."

A CEO ASKS: "WHAT HAVE THE UNIONS EVER DONE FOR US?"

...maternity leave, pensions, worker's comp, Medicare, occupational health & safety, paid annual leave, collective bargaining, pay increases...

...child labor laws, 40-hr(37.5) workweek, overtime, respect, healthcare, political voice for working people, feel free to add on...


The Union is not about YOU or ME; it's about US.

WATER COOLER WEDNESDAYS (IDEA)

I recently had a conversation with a member, and it was a real eye-opener for me.  We obviously had differing views and that will never stop me from talking to someone because I like to find out how people come to the conclusions they do.  Unfortunately, in this particular case the individual had come to their conclusions based on false beliefs and untruths.  I finally had to end the conversation, after the name-calling commenced. I didn't get angry though because I'm used to this type of behavior.  What I did get was inspired.  And that inspiration planted the seed for Water Cooler Wednesdays.  


Firstly, I'd like to explain what WCW is not.  It is not an excuse to get together and get drunk.  Although the first meeting was held on the restaurant-side of a bar, that was not the intention.  The location was chosen due to it being within walking distance of the workplace.  Not to say there will be no consumption of alcoholic beverages during any future meetings, but rest assured there will be no beer-pong tournaments going on.


That said, the idea of WCW is the fact that we need to communicate with one another.  There's much we can all learn about many different aspects of life.  No matter what level of education one has, or even in which disciplines they have it, that is only one aspect of them.  Your degree is no more important than any other activity you commit time and dedication to, including self-taught hobbies such as arts, crafts, cooking, decorating, carpentry, etc.  The membership is very diverse, and I think that's something that should unite us, not divide us, as it seems to be doing currently.


Aside from the individual level, there is the demographic of union members.  Regardless of personal dislikings and honest disagreement on issues, there is a common interest.  Whether you personally accept it or not, the actions of the collective membership will affect you personally.  Frustration and fear of the unknown can be paralyzing; during the last negotiation, and even Payless Paydays in 09, the complaints have been about communications and not knowing what's going on.  Not this time.  The Union is here this time.


5 people showed for 4/20 WCW.


I, and the other 4, understand the hesitancy some may have of meeting on the restaurant-side of a bar.  We're currently trying to address that.  Another location in the same area of the workplace.  We've also started this blog and welcome any comments and feedback.      


WE MUST WEAR PURPLE ON TUESDAY!

PURPLE MARKETS

At the Chapter Meeting, April 19, the suggestion of organizing a yard sale (or a market in our case) was brought up. It's in the very early stages right now, but I'm reaching out for anyone who has any ideas, or would be interested in participating in any capacity. This would be an SEIU-organized and sponsored event.


My initial thoughts are:


1) We can call them PURPLE MARKETS. We're not red, like the Republicans. We're not blue, like the Democrats. We're Purple. The perfect mixture.


2) People have a lot of STUFF that they don't NEED. People need money right now. It would allow for US to keep our money between us and become self-sustaining to a degree.


3) A possibility would be the Labor building on Manor Street. All depending on a future conversation between Chapter Chair Bill Wilson and the person who runs the place. Even if we couldn't use that building, we could find somewhere else. I think we can make a campaign of it, where we can talk to the public and educate them and show them we're REAL PEOPLE!

APRIL 26: STATEWIDE BREAKOUT

On April 26, we will be having our first statewide breakout.  It will be happening between 12-1 in front of LCAO (and your building for those not from LCAO).  

...the focus on these first breakouts should be their location. They should be held where local management can see them and give a count to their managers on how many workers are taking part in them and how many are wearing purple. These breakouts will also give us an idea of member mobilizing levels. Once we have that, we can start inviting media to our breakouts.

I am working on getting some more purple paraphernalia and will disseminate when I get anything.  We will continue with PURPLE TUESDAYS until we have a contract/budget signed.

The following week, on May 3, there is a rally at the state capitol.  We need maximum participation, as this will show the governor and many other lawmakers the opposition to immoral cuts, both to our pay and benefits and those within the budget itself.

We are seeing the wealth gap continue to widen, both on the state and federal levels.  As union members and workers, we are vital to the future of workers' rights, wages, benefits, and safety.

To put it in perspective, please watch this video.  It illustrates how large the wealth gap is, without boring you with the figures.

LET'S TALK ABOUT RIGHT NOW

There are serious issues going on right now, both locally and nationally. Many of my CAO brothers and sisters have become desensitized to annual budget stresses and have adapted themselves to accept it as part of the job. I have not, and I will not allow anyone else to succumb to this train of thought. Instead of sitting back and seeing what happens, this year we will be proactive and exercise our rights within the contract, along with state and federal government.


What is happening in our various local levels is happening on the state, national, and global levels. Workers, unionized and not, are aggressively being attacked around the globe. There has always been the battle between "the boss" and his workers since the beginning of Capitalism, but we have reached a stage within both our governmental and economic systems where something has to give.


By that, I mean Capitalism is not an economic model that can last forever. Due to the fundamental mission of corporations to do whatever they can to maximize profits, there inevitably will come a point where the profits are maxed out. Then, the very workers providing the service cannot afford to buy the services they provide.


The most important obstacle preventing this from happening right now is Unions. A lot of what's happening right now is the direct result of policies and ideologies implemented during the 1980's, under President Reagan. I won't bore you with the concept of projection, and how the Republicans use it brilliantly as a political tactic, but that's the reason for all of the "Reagan-mania" we hear so much in the media from members of Congress. One of Reagan's most notable moments is when he busted the air traffic controllers union. And more than the effect that had on the actual individual people, what it did was make it acceptable for future leaders to attack and attempt to bust unions. In addition to that, Reagan was also famous for discrediting the value of government, while decreasing the tax rate on the rich from somewhere in the 70% range to the 30% range. Since his presidency, the gap between the rich and poor has widened to the largest since the Great Depression.


One could say that it is only coincidence that the drastic decrease of unionized workers happened during the greatest increase of wealth in history, but I would say to them to pass that this way. LOL!


The government and its regulations is the only protection provided to those not exclusively chasing a profit, workers and consumers. Knowing that, the profit-chasers have systematically integrated themselves into government and lawmaking. This revolving door between private corporations and agency-level positions that directly regulate the same industries of the corporations has resulted in corporate welfare and total disregard to any environmental repurcussions or accountability.


For Pennsylvanians, we don't have to look far to see it in full operation. The ex-Vice President, Dick Cheney, was the CEO of Haliburton, and was head of the committee to research the environmental effects of gas-drilling. Their findings resulted in whats known as the "Haliburton loophole," which prevents drilling companies from having to disclose any data regarding environmental effects, or even the chemicals used in the procedure itself. After receiving numerous no-bid federal defense contracts, they moved their headquarters to Dubai in 2007, where they pay no US tax.


Now Governor Corbett does not want to tax them whatsoever. This corporation does not pay Federal tax, while extracting the natural resources of Pennsylvania and not even hiring Pennsylvanians to do the work. Meanwhile, the people who unknowingly leased their land to a foreign corporation are now encountering the environmental effects, which although were known weren't required by law to be disclosed, the government cannot conclude that the cause of people's faucets catching fire is not the direct result of fracking.


Needless to say, I have a lot on my mind right now. =)


ALL THAT BEING SAID, THE POINT IS MAY 3 AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE MUST BE AT THE RALLY!!!


IT IS VITAL THAT WE SHOW UP AND PROVE THAT ACTIONS ARE LOUDER THAN WORDS!


I GOT TWO SIGNS ALREADY MADE. MAYBE WE SHOULD HAVE A CONTEST FOR BEST SIGN OR POSTER???

STAY IN THE LOOP

Rick Smith is a local (Carlisle) guy who has a radio show specifically dedicated to labor issues. I highly recommend tuning in when you can. He's on every night @ 9 pm.



THE RICK SMITH SHOW