Updated 05-27-08
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Legislative Report Center
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MN Leadership Updates:
Legislative Reports
Saturday, April 05, 2008 3:17 p.m.:
Dear Members:
Speed Matters
CWA has been working on a ‘Speed Matters Bill’ that would like to put a CWA member on a task force to study this issue. I have testified that we need to be on this task force. We need to be on it to ensure that our employer and our members will be treated fairly in whatever actions are put forward. We want the companies we represent to be the ones asked to meet the needs of the entire state. This could mean getting state or federal dollars to speed up getting high-speed internet service to every part of the state.
Currently some cities have gone ahead with the broadband project only to have it backfire on them, leaving some cities with great expenses. A plan is needed to ensure this doesn't happen again. Money has been ear-marked to establish this task force, and for mapping the state to see what is available currently along with what needs to be done to get the entire state covered.
These bills are moving and I expect them to pass and the Governor to sign them.
Call Center
Our ‘Call Center’ bill is currently in limbo, but it could be resurrected at anytime for another vote. Call your State Senators and ask them to vote to put this bill back on general orders so another vote can be taken on this issue.
‘Utility Workers’ bill’
Our bill making it a gross misdemeanor to attack a utility worker is dead at this point. Although we are still working with our author, State Representative Joe Mullory to find a vehicle to keep it moving. It has been a victim of the Governor's no ‘new taxes’ pledge along with many other things.
Tim
Saturday, April 05, 2008 3:17 p.m.:
Dear members,
We have obtained another victory - workers who want to organize will be allowed the ‘right of choice’ of Card-Check neutrality by management, and binding arbitration of the first contract. Yesterday the Minnesota House voted 84 to 45 to pass a resolution supporting the EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT. It now heads to the Governor for his signature. We will see where he stands on this issue. Remember, he is being put up as a running mate with John McCain. My bet is he will either not sign or veto it. I don't think we need another four years of Bush - McSame and Pawlenty - not a good choice!
Also the MN House passed the minimum wage bill yesterday. It will now go to Conference Committee to work out the differences with the Senate version of the bill. WILL THE GOVERNOR SIGN THIS IMPORTANT LABOR LEGISLATION?
Stay tuned, Tim
