The right stuff
If you want to understand better why you need the clout of your union, read Carl Gibson’s excellent article, “How the ALEC Agenda Forced Chicago’s School Closings.”
ALEC – an organization of corporate lobbyists and mostly Republican state legislators – meets behind closed doors to write corporate-approved “model legislation” to be introduced in statehouses nationwide the following year. They are screwing over every law enforcement officer in American with their fanatical anti-tax policy which is depriving your town, county, or city and state of money. Your association or union is fighting back and with your support may even win.
ALEC legislation is aimed at enriching corporations at the expense of the public safety, the environment, workers’ rights, healthcare, pensions and education. In 2013 Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel ordered the closing of 50 public schools, the vast majority of which serve low-income children in high-poverty neighborhoods. While the unelected Chicago Board of Education slashed school budgets and forced the firing of thousands of school employees and educators, Mayor Emanuel gave out millions in tax breaks to the Chicago Mercantile Exchange – his top campaign contributor – a new stadium for DePaul University, and possibly even more for Wrigley Field.
ALEC is systematically trying to deprive states of revenue by repealing estate taxes and capital gains taxes, which generate significant tax revenues and are overwhelmingly paid by the super-rich. By systematically starving states of revenue by cutting taxes for the rich, a revenue crisis is created with budget cuts presented as the only solution.
Now check out the trailer for the film, “We’re Not Broke!” on YouTube. Confirms everything you just read in Gibson’s article.
How would you like your union or association to fight back against groups like ALEC who are hell bent on privatizing your jobs, killing your collective bargaining rights, destroying your pension and taking away your health care and other benefits. Leave your comments below.
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