On July 10th Derick Gee and Jackson Suter from local 1219 in Braddock were in DC representing the Mon valley. They were supporting house resolution 397-The Rehabilitation for Multi-Employer Pension Act, or also known as the Butch-Lewis Act. On this day 397 was being looked into by the Ways and Means committee. Both Democrats and Republicans make up this committee. Unions that were present supporting this cause were the Teamsters, UFCW, IBEW, United Steelworkers, and a few others.
HERE IS THE VIDEO FROM THE HEARING ON THAT DAY
As of right now there are 200 house Democrats supporting this bill to 9 house Republicans that are also supporting this bill. (CLICK TO SEE THE COUNT HERE - CONGRESS.GOV - COSPONSORS)
With some multi-employer pension funds being underfunded or are in danger at this point there is a major need for something to be done.
Those that were against this bill continue to make the case for single employer pension plans stating that they were better funded and not in danger of becoming insolvent. Some were concerned about possible costs down the road to our children and grandchildren if these debts are not paid. Those that were for the bill made their points about how small the cost were in comparison to the multiple bailouts from our taxpayer money in recent history totaling so many times more than what we were asking for to help out the hard-working men and women throughout this nation. This is not to be a bailout but a loan to be used as a backstop.
The committee as a whole agreed that this is the single most important measure that is before this committee right now and that something needs to be done soon.
Out of the three main Congressional House representatives in the southwest Pennsylvania area, Connor Lamb and Mike Doyle both support 397. Derick and Jackson went to the office of Guy Reschenthaler and gave them a fact sheet detailing the importance of this matter. They spoke about their concerns to his staffer.
Updates will be provided if and when his office co-sponsors this bill in the future. As for now we strongly urge workers and family members of workers that live in Guy Reschenthaler's area (Westmoreland, Greene, Washington and Fayette county) to call or email him to push for his support in protecting our pensions.
This is our fight! This is our right and our responsibility! We all have a voice. This is your time to use it.
IF YOU LIVE IN GUY RESCHENTHALER'S AREA, 14TH DISTRICT (AS SEEN BELOW), PLEASE HELP US BY SIMPLY EMAILING HIM TO SUPPORT OUR PENSIONS. CLICK HERE FOR THE EMAIL LINK. HERE IS A SAMPLE LETTER.
Hi my name is ______________ . I live in your district. I am concerned as a (citizen, steelworker, family member of a steelworker, friend of a steelworker, etc...) and I would like you to support H.R. 397 which will help to secure multi-employer pensions. Thanks for your support.
