Among the items in our District Legislative and Political Action Program is an initiative to get more of our District Locals active in their State AFL-CIO Bodies.  Affiliation with the State Federations is now automatic and the benefits of active involvement are numerous.  On this page, we'll post the "fruits" of our Locals' efforts.

Resolution No. 4                                                                                                            2001

   Saving Social Security

WHEREAS:       Social Security was written into law in 1935, by the U.S. Congress thereby lifting the senior population out of poverty, so they would not be totally dependant on their families in their golden years and have dignity and independence; and

WHEREAS:        Social Security has been a successful government program to supplement workers and their families and has never defaulted on payment to retirees, persons with disabilities, widows or their children; and

WHEREAS:        There is a threat to privatize Social Security, therefore putting it into the hands of Wall Street. With the recent volatility in the Stock Markets, it is a good indication, what would happen to those people who opt to put their Social Security in the Stock Market. This could deplete the trust fund and Social Security would not even be able to support/maintain the less fortunate in our society; and

WHEREAS:       President Bush has appointed a panel of 16 people, all of whom have expressed support for privatization; and

WHEREAS:       Social Security needs adjusting, especially with the increase in the number of retirees. We, resolve that this convention support adding government employees and raising the cap on the FICA Tax, so that everyone pays their fair share.  Not only would this add to the trust fund, but would enable Social Security to lower the age of retirement to 60 for all workers.

Be It Finally Resolved:

That this Convention go on record in support of this Resolution and let our representatives know, we do not support Privatization of the Social Security System. "Let us not allow Congress to kill the best run program of the U.S."