A MESSAGE FOR MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY FORUM FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The topic of January's CFED meeting is "Right to Work — More Than a Union Issue"
When: January 17, 2012 at 7 PM
Where: LaSalle Branch Library, 3232 West Ardmore Trail, South Bend
This year, the Indiana General Assembly will consider a "Right to Work" bill that, if passed, will reduce the ability of unions to bargain with employers and negotiate contracts. The wages and benefits of union workers will decrease, but so will the wages and benefits of all workers. Workers with lower wages will buy fewer goods and services from local businesses and, as a result, local businesses and local employment will suffer. Workers with lower wages will pay lower taxes to local governments and, as a result, tax rates on everyone will increase or else education and other needed services will have to be cut back.
Despite claims from right-to-work advocates, businesses will not be attracted to communities in Indiana that have lower wages, struggling local businesses, declining employment, higher taxes, and declining public amenities. Economic development in Indiana will suffer.
Our January 17th meeting will provide an opportunity for public discussion of the position we've summarized above, as well as other questions and predictions about the consequences of Indiana becoming a Right to Work state. Newspapers throughout Indiana have already printed numerous news articles and public commentary about the issue. That will surely continue and increase, especially after the January 4th opening session. Opponents on both sides are mobilizing support. This issue is central to the CFED mission of promoting economic development, the process of increasing living standards and opportunities for area residents. We intend for the January 17th meeting to provide for an opportunity to "shine the light" on "Right to Work."
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WOULD YOU LIKE TO BECOME INVOLVED NOW?
– The AFL-CIO is reaching out to people around the state to get them to call their State House Representative to ask them to oppose the Bosma and Daniels plan.
A phone bank has been set up at the AFL-CIO Central Labor Council Office, 2015 Western Ave. Room 209 (Marycrest Building) in South Bend, daily from 1 – 7 PM.
Contact Tony Flora, nalc330@sbcglobal.net, 277-3062, to schedule your participation.
- Buses will travel from South Bend to Indianapolis on Wednesday, January 4 and Thursday, January 5 carrying local residents to a rally opposing the "Right to Work" legislation.
Call the AFL-CIO CLC office, 532-2772, for more information.
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DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY ACTIVITIES
– "A Little Taste of Peace"
Saturday, January 14, 2012, 6:15 – 9:15 PM, Islamic Society of Michiana, RSVP requested
For complete information, Download 2012 Little taste of peace flyer
- Community Service Recognition Breakfast
Monday, January 16, 2012, 7:30 – 9 AM, South Bend Century Center
Keynote speaker: Karen Freeman-Wilson, Mayor-Elect of Gary and the first African American female mayor in Indiana. She is also a former director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission. Her theme is Education: Key to the Dream.
Tickets for the Breakfast are $25. If you plan to attend and want to sit with other CFED members, contact Glenn Williams at 261-2117, glennwilliams@comcast.net.
– Day of Celebration at the Century Center
Monday, January 16, 2012 – Following the Breakfast, activities are planned throughout the day, including information tables for local organizations and businesses. If you can spend an hour or two at the CFED information table, contact Teresa Marcy at 272-3089, tmarcy@saintmarys.edu.
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VITA (VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE) PROGRAM WILL SOON BEGIN!
Volunteers are still needed — we need more "greeters," "screeners," and assistance with outreach.
For more information about the program, including dates, times and locations, visit www.uwsjc.org/vita.
To read why the Community Forum actively supports this program, click on the page on the right, "Why we support VITA."
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