What is PEOPLE?PEOPLE, or Public Employees Organized to Promote Legislative Equality, is AFSCME's political action committee, also known as a 'PAC.'
PEOPLE is a fund into which AFSCME members can voluntarily contribute money or have money withheld from their paychecks so that the Union has the resources to elect candidates to federal office who support public employee issues.
Political action is the lifeblood of our Union: it is the way we elect our bosses, affect public policy and hold elected officials accountable. But those efforts require financial resources; resources provided through contributions from hundreds of thousands of AFSCME members across the country.
Our enemies --the people and politicians who oppose the right of public workers to organize and bargain-- have access to millions of corporate dollars which they use to elect anti-worker candidates. AFSCME members need resources to fight back. By giving to PEOPLE, we provide our Union with the tools and power we need to make sure that public workers have a loud voice in the electoral process.
If you are an AFSCME member and want to learn how you can become involved as a PEOPLE participant, call toll-free at (800) 554-2054 and tell us you want to join in the fight for political and legislative equality!
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WE PROTECT VETERANS CARE
AFSCME members came together on Nov 10 presenting a petition with hundreds of signatures from all seven veterans home asking the Veterans Commission to change the sick leave policy.
AFSCME members made the case that the policy prevents sick staff from taking sick leave.
The spirited AFSCME activists Stacy Griffiths-Mt. Vernon, Wendy Battaglia & Lathey Riley of Cameron, Regina Furr & Deborah Coreman-St. Louis
WE FORCED THE COMMISSION
Following an intense exchange between AFSCME members, Veterans Commission and officials, Director Kay was ordered to investigate leave policy and report back.
WE CAN WIN – JOIN US
We will not stand by as veterans’ health and our rights are at risk. Our jobs– and the care we provide– are worth fighting for.
Not a member? Sign up today! Contact your local representative, steward or organizer.
We can’t fix the economy of America without fixing the health care system.”
Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Fixing the economy means fixing health care. Our current health care system is broken and taking a huge toll on the economy. According to a report released by the Department of Health and Human Services in March, U.S. health care spending doubled between 1996 and 2006. And premiums are through the roof.
As AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee has said: “The cost of health care coverage has skyrocketed. It threatens the economic security of working families, it strains state and federal budgets and it reduces the competitiveness of American businesses. We need an American solution in which all of us – individuals, employers and government – share responsibility for guaranteeing quality, affordable health care we can all count on.”
Fixing the economy means fixing health care. We can’t afford to be at the mercy of the insurance industry anymore. We need quality, affordable health care for all that protects good health benefits, brings down skyrocketing costs and provides comprehensive coverage options to insured and uninsured families – including the choice of a quality public health insurance plan.
AFSCME is part of Health Care for America Now (HCAN), a national grassroots campaign of more than 950 organizations in 46 states representing 30 million people dedicated to winning quality, affordable health care we all can count on in 2009. Our organization and principles are supported by President Obama, Vice President Biden, and more than 190 members of Congress.
To join AFSCME's Campaign click here: http://www.makeamericahappen.com/health-care-for-all/
