America in Solidarity - News

America In Solidarity announces 2009 scholarship winners

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 12:24:00 -0400

Another banner crop of scholarship applications and essays were recently reviewed and AIS is proud to announce its 2009 scholarship winners. Our ad hoc scholarship committee met recently, read each essay, deliberated and argued till we reached consensus. "Each year it is an absolute pleasure to read the thoughtful, sometimes heartfelt and personal essays. My only regret is that we don't have tens of thousands of dollars to award as there are dozens of worthy applicants that deserve a scholarship," said Todd Iverson of America In Solidarity. Thanks to Iverson, Gail Ross, Mike Jagielski, and Mike and Kathy Collier for serving on this year's scholarship committee.

Dicks cosponsors HR 676

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:43:56 -0400

Affordable health care for all Americans is one of the goals of America In Solidarity. Every time we meet with a member of Congress, this issue is brought up as it alones bankrupts, kills or severely disrupts the quality of life for thousands of working families in Washington State. HR 676 is the gold standard of progressive legislation proposed in Congress that would provide a single-payer national plan for every American. This past Monday, there was a message left on our voicemail that stated "Congressman Dicks has signed on to be a cosponsor of HR 676, thought you should be one of the first to know."

Tacoma rallies for affordable health care

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 21:14:46 -0400

Nearly 400 people rallied in Tacoma, joining cities across the nation, in a call for affordable health care. America In Solidarity joined a wide range of faith, labor and community groups in the rally and march that took place on May 30th. Among the speakers were Tacoma Mayor Bill Baarsma, City Councilmember Marilyn Strickland, State Representatives Tami Green and Dawn Morrell, and Congressman Adam Smith.

The 45-minute rally at First United Methodist Church was followed by a short march to People's Park where the marchers were greeted by music

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Care Rally and March

Sat, 02 May 2009 19:09:55 -0400

Join hundreds of your fellow residents of Tacoma and Pierce County to let our elected leaders know that 2009 is the year that the United States gives the right to accessible and affordable health care to all of its citizens.

Rally and march on May 30th at 9:30am at First United Methodist Church.

For more info, go to the official rally website.

6th Annual Tacoma-Pierce County May Day Celebration

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:12:06 -0400

Join us for our 6th Annual Tacoma-Pierce County May Day Celebration. This year's event will feature:a panel discussion about the economic crisis' impact on working families with State Representative Larry Seaquist, Pierce Co.Councilmember Tim Farrell and Tacoma City Council member Marilyn Strickland. There will be a spaghetti feed with all profits going to support America In Solidarity's scholarship fund.

It'll be at 7pm on Friday May 1st at First United Methodist Church in Tacoma (621 Tacoma Ave., two blocks north of the County-City building).

Tell your Reps and Senators: "Tony Zagami for Public Printer of the United States"

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:22:40 -0400

AIS volunteer Bill Gimbel who works at the Government Printing Office in Washington D.C. is asking his fellow AIS volunteers to write their U.S. Representatives and Senators to support Tony Zagami for nomination as Public Printer of the United States.
The previous Bush appointee was nothing but trouble for the union members that work at the GPO, and Gimbel feels that Zagami would work favorably with the unions there.
He sent the following message:
In his bid to secure the nomination for Public Printer of the United States, the head of the U. S. Government Printing Office (GPO) in the Obama-Biden Administration, Anthony J. “Tony” Zagami has gained the support of the following Members of Congress, and International/National Labor Unions (as well as their local unions at the GPO). All have written the White House with letters of support and recommendation on his behalf. In addition to those listed above, many other private individuals, local labor unions, and organizations, some affiliated with or maintaining an interest in GPO, also have written letters to the Obama-Biden Administration on behalf of Tony Zagami.

1. United States Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts
2. United states Senator Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia
3. United States Senator Daniel K. Inouye of Hawaii
4. United States Senator Barbara A. Mikulski of Maryland
5. United States Senator Benjamin L. Cardin of Maryland
6. United States Congresswoman Donna L. Edwards of Maryland
7. United States Congressman Christopher Van Hollen of Maryland
8. United States Congressman Gerald E. Connolly of Northern Virginia
9. United States Congressman James P. Moran of Northern Virginia
10. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT)
11. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
12. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM)
13. The National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP)
14. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)

NOTE: At the present time, other Members of Congress, individuals, and organizations are reviewing Tony Zagami’s information, thus the above list of supporters for his nomination is likely to increase in the future.

Say NO! to Panama Free Trade Agreement

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:39:29 -0400

The office of the U.S. Trade Representative has said it wants to move forward this year with the Panama Free Trade Agreement -- a trade deal negotiated by the Bush administration that repeats most of the same major problems found in NAFTA and CAFTA. Bush's Panama FTA represents business-as-usual on trade, and is not the type of change that voters were promised.

Here are a few good reasons why the Panama FTA should be opposed:

Panama's Tax Haven Status: Panama's economy thrives on banking secrecy, and its "comparative advantage" rests on the ease with which U.S. companies can create subsidiaries there to evade U.S. taxes. A Government Accountability Office study identified Panama as one of eight countries -- and the only current or prospective FTA partner -- that was listed on all of the major tax-haven watchdog lists. Panama has long been a key target of the OECD and other tax transparency entities for its resistance to international norms in combating tax evasion and money laundering. Given the role that banking secrecy played in the global financial meltdown, a trade agreement with Panama should be conditioned on much greater regulation and transparency within its financial sector.
Threats to U.S. Sovereignty: The investment chapters in the Panama FTA allow foreign corporations to challenge food safety rules, responsible land use decisions, environmental protection initiatives, banking regulations and other public interest policies as "barriers to trade" through closed trade tribunals that circumvent the U.S. judicial system. Under NAFTA alone, more than 40 complaints, seeking $28 billion in damages have already been filed against existing public policies. The Panama FTA's procurement provisions further undermine U.S. "Buy American" and "Buy Local" purchasing preferences, and threaten procurement policies with environmental and social goals.
Inadequate Labor and Environmental Standards: The Panama FTA includes the modestly-improved labor and environmental standards of the Peru FTA, rather than the virtually non-existent standards of NAFTA and CAFTA. Nonethless, the experience of the Peru FTA demonstrates that these standards are still far from adequate to protect working people or the environment. The Peru FTA was implemented in early 2009 without Peru improving its labor law to meet International Labor Organization standards as supposedly required, and after Peru rolled back environmental protections that existed prior to the FTA's signing. Stronger labor and environmental standards must be added to the Panama FTA's core text in order to avoid these clear failures.
Increased Poverty Abroad: Like NAFTA and CAFTA before it, the Panama FTA is expected to increase rural poverty by forcing small Panamanian farmers out of business in competition with subsidized food imports from U.S. transnationals. For this reason, the FTA is expected to increase hunger, drug cultivation and undocumented migration. In addition, Bush's FTA includes NAFTA-style provisions that undermine Panama's right to obtainaffordable medications for its impoverished citizens.

Contact your Congressional representatives and ask them to not support the Panama Free Trade Agreement.

Scholarship deadline extended to May 1

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 12:03:02 -0400

America In Solidarity is extending the deadline for receiving scholarship entries to May 1st. Due to a family tragedy, our scholarship coordinator has not had the opportunity to alert sources to the extent we would like to. Also, the economic crisis has hit this organization like most non-profits across the country, and we would like another month to try to raise more money for our scholarship program. Over the past three years, America In Solidarity has given out $4,000 a year in scholarships, but currently we are short of our fundraising projections.

Health Care Forum in Tacoma struggles with cuts

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 17:55:17 -0400

America In Solidarity sponsored a community forum called “Health Care and the Economic Crisis” on March 2nd at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma. The forum looked at proposed health care cuts, asked for input from attendees, and concluded with a community vote on the importance of each program.
There were approximately 25 attendees and represented a variety of ages from college students to retirees; also present were nearly a dozen people who work in the health care industry as either providers, advocates or management. We provided a list of 11 potential cuts as stated by Governor Gregoire’s proposed budget. When asked to vote upon programs to cut, there was much resistance as one person proclaimed “Who am I throwing out of the lifeboat?” Several attendees refused to vote on a cut, instead writing on the side: No cuts to health care.
After a few short presentations, a lively discussion followed with many participants agreeing with the comment, “It is a shame we are looking at a list like this.” Some of the discussion points and anecdotes include:

America In Solidarity is on Facebook!

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 17:38:32 -0400

You can now find America In Solidarity on Facebook. If you are a member, then join our friends list and recommend AIS to all your other Facebook friends.

Pray for DK

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:43:03 -0500

Many of you probably know Gail Ross, who has been the busybee and official VP of America In Solidarity. Her 14-year-old son DK was in a kayak on American Lake when it was hit by a passing boat. The boat left DK unconscious and injured in the water.

He is now at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. You can view his website at www.carepages.com . Search for "Dokker". You can leave Gail and DK a message. Gail is reading the messages every day. I know a lot of you know Gail and DK and David, so keep them in your thoughts.

Forum to address Health Care Cuts in Washington

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:38:56 -0500

When: 7pm, Monday March 2nd, 2009
Where: University of Puget Sound Rotunda (1500 S. Warner Tacoma, WA)
Admission: Free. Public is welcome.
Contact: Todd Iverson at 253-471-1123 or todd@americasolidarity.org

Background:
Governor Gregoire’s proposed biennium budget cut an estimated $900 million from various health care programs that serve the people of Washington State. Since then, the estimated budget deficit has increased from $6 billion to $8.3 billion meaning further cuts could be instituted. This forum will ask attendees to help legislators determine priorities in protecting and eliminating programs. After a discussion period, participants will be asked to vote on which programs to cut and which to save.

AIS lobbies for working families in Olympia

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 11:47:15 -0500

A handful of America In Solidarity volunteers descending upon the capitol campus in Olympia to discuss what matters to working families. Below is the issues we talked about. Take a few moments to contact your legislators and send them an email, or call them, and talk about these issues:

•    Support the Worker Privacy Act (HB 1528/SB 5446). The Worker Privacy Act would allow workers in Washington state to choose whether or not to participate in employer communication on issues of individual conscience, including politics, religion, charitable giving, and unionization.
•    Support the Supreme Court Fair Elections Bill (HB 1738/SB 5912). This would establish publicly financed campaigns for the State Supreme Court and could possibly prevent the 2006 debacle when the BIAW attempted to purchase seats on the court.
•    Protect health care for kids. The State of Washington spends in excess of $25 billion to educate our kids, their future and ours depends on education. Their future also depends on being healthy. The Governor’s proposed cuts to Apple Health for Kids are unacceptable and Washington State still needs to make strides to give every child affordable health care. Any steps backward must be avoided and this should receive our highest priority.
•    Do not gut the Basic Health Plan. As unemployment rises and companies cut benefits, more people will need to be enrolled in the Basic Health Plan. When people are enrolled it will allow for preventive medicine and less emergency room visits, both of which reduce overall costs. The proposed 42% cut in the Basic Health Plan, if anything, should be a raise of 42%.
•    Support the Washington Health Security Trust. This is the best proposal set forth that would insure all Washingtonians with affordable, quality health care. We understand that there is not the funding in this biennium to pursue such legislation, however, America In Solidarity is asking each of their pledge signers to commit to covering everyone by 2012.
•    Protect the safety net. Thousands of workers will be laid off in 2009 on top of the thousands that have already been laid off. We support all measures that help working families recover from these difficult times. Understandably the budget crunch is forcing the legislature to cut millions from needed programs and the choices you face will be difficult. However, please find a way to keep as many Washington families afloat as possible.
•    Support union workers in the construction trade (HB1555/SB5614). This bill would address the underground economy as recommended by the legislative task force on this issue.

Justice should not be for sale in Washington State

Sun, 08 Feb 2009 12:17:46 -0500

The Supreme Court Fair Elections Bill (HB 1738/SB 5912) would create publicly funded elections for Washington's Supreme Court. With 32 co-sponsors in the House, this bill will get some traction in Olympia this session.

Why is this important? There is a direct correlation between campaign contributions and court decisions with a West Virginia case now heading to the U.S. Supreme Court after a West Virginia Supreme Court justice was elected with $3 million in campaign aid from the CEO of Massey Energy, a coal mining company. A year later, that judge provided the deciding vote in a lawsuit to absolve the company of a $50 million fine, imposed by a jury following illegal corporate behavior.

AIS response to Gregoire's budget cuts

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:36:55 -0500

The following letter was sent to each of the America In Solidarity pledge signers in response to the proposed cuts by Governor Gregoire in her proposed budget. Currently, an estimated $5 billion must be cut in the next biennium.

America In Solidarity’s Statement on Proposed Washington State Budget for 2009-2011

As a deeper recession looms, unemployment is likely to rise and conditions grow harsher for workers, more and more families are going to need the social safety net that government can provide. Services like public health care, unemployment benefits and affordable housing will be crucial as our economy worsens. Yet, with a budget deficit nearing $6 billion, cuts will have to be made. How does one choose between education or health care? Needed transportation infrastructure or housing? Closing parks or keeping felons off the streets? Mandated raises or cutting positions?

America In Solidarity has been actively pushing for progressive health care reform, worker’s rights and living wages for the working families of Washington. We recognize there will be some difficult choices that need to be made and we want to emphasize the importance of keeping as much as that safety net as possible, protect jobs and keep families healthy. Several of our pledge signers have asked for input on this budget and how we would prioritize in wake of the proposed cuts. Our Executive Board recently agreed upon the following:

• Protect health care for kids. The State of Washington spends in excess of $25 billion to educate our kids, their future and ours depends on education. Their future also depends on being healthy. The proposed cuts to Apple Health for Kids is unacceptable and Washington state still needs to make strides to give every child affordable health care by 2012. Any steps backward must be avoided and this should receive our highest priority.
• Do not gut the Basic Health Plan. As unemployment rises and companies cut benefits, more people will need to be enrolled in the Basic Health Plan. When people are enrolled it will allow for preventive medicine and less emergency room visits, both of which reduce overall costs. The proposed 42% cut in the Basic Health Plan, if anything, should be a raise of 42%.
• Jobs before raises. There may be a time to freeze wages, even if previous agreements mandate increases. America In Solidarity proposes that state employees and their unions accept a freeze, as long as agreed-upon increases will be factored into future budgets (ie. The 2011-2013 budget accounts for 3% increases instead of 2%) when our economy corrects itself. This means all state employees, including managers.
• Reexamine Transportation. While Health Care and Human Services is looking at a 12.2% cut, there are some glaring costly items in the transportation budget. For example, while purchasing 460 vans for carpooling will no doubt relieve congestion, the $70 million price tag could provide a lot of jobs, health care or services to working families in need. We also stress that money provided in the transportation budget be used in “shovel-ready” projects that provide jobs now, whereas projects like the Alaska Way Viaduct may take money, but not provide any jobs in this biennium.
• Jobs, jobs, jobs. Though a large-scale program that creates thousands of jobs will only come from the Federal government, the State of Washington and local governments can take measures to have projects ready for implementation. Grants and funding need to be available to have permits completed, plans drawn up and projects ready to go. This will help accelerate our recovery and ultimately boost our economy.

America In Solidarity recognizes the unfortunate dilemma the State of Washington faces. Perhaps, this letter should be about reexamining the way our state collects revenue and implementing the suggestions made by the Gates Commission in 2002. Until then, tough choices will be made and we hope that our elected officials keep focus on the needs of working families. Please contact our office at 253-471-1123 or email me at todd@americasolidarity.org with any questions.

In Solidarity,
Todd Iverson
America In Solidarity