February 17, 2011
	This publication is your opportunity to receive regular updates on the work and the issues that I have been involved with, both in Harrisburg and throughout our community. Please visit my website, where you will find a comprehensive overview of our work, various phone numbers and contact information to assist you in solving problems, opportunities to volunteer and assist us in our programs and opportunities to give your feedback.

AFL-CIO Legislative Conference

Tuesday, the AFL-CIO of Pennsylvania unveiled their legislative priorities for the 2011/2012 at a press conference in the Capitol. State AFL-CIO leadership said, “It is critical to Pennsylvania’s workers that we educate ourselves and take action when necessary against legislation that will weaken Labor and will be disadvantageous to key programs that are the backbone for working people.” How important this is as we head into a very challenging budget season.

On February 1, 2011, I attended the AFL-CIO Legislative Conference, where I spoke to almost 200 labor leaders from across the Commonwealth. As you know, I was recently elected Democratic Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. As such, I have a key role in developing Pennsylvania’s annual budget and establishing the state’s spending priorities.

I believe that together, with a new leadership team in place and a renewed energy to focus on key issues impacting labor, Senate Democrats are prepared to move forward, and improve the lives for all working men and women.

The Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Legislative Conference is intended to establish goals and objectives to protect the interests of Pennsylvania’s working families. We need to: provide access to high quality, reasonably priced health insurance for all, prevent cuts to key safety net programs and services, build on successful job training programs, invest in schools and teachers so our children have a brighter future, invest in job creation programs, fund transportation, water, sewer and other infrastructure upgrades, and build on green investments and leverage federal money to grow industry here in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania’s AFL-CIO is addressing a number of issues this year, many of which were highlighted at today’s press conference. At the top of their list, and mine, is our budget. We need to ensure a fair budget to avoid harsh cuts of programs vital to Pennsylvanians as well as protecting and securing the jobs of state workers. Also, the PA AFL-CIO is concerned about the privatization of Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and Wine and Spirits shops. PA AFL-CIO wants to protect the 4,500 family sustaining jobs in this industry and keep liquor out of the hands of minors. The PA AFL-CIO also hopes everyone says “no” to PA school vouchers being proposed in the legislature and protects our public schools.

It is worthwhile to visit their website, www.paaflcio.org, and learn about the various activities and hot topics occurring in our state. You can also participate in programs such as “Block the Lockout,” if you are an NFL fan, donate to the National Association of Letter Carriers food drive or find out how about many, upcoming events you can attend.

On the national front, the AFL-CIO keeps an eye on the global economy, health care, workers’ rights, education and allowing individuals to balance work and family. But maybe most relevant right now, the national AFL-CIO understands the need for “good jobs, now.” If you visit their website at www.aflcio.org, you can join the “Good Jobs, Now” team and even share your story if you are currently unemployed. Give this plight a voice or hear from others who are already in this struggle and speaking out.

Also, both the PA AFL-CIO and I understand how important putting people back to work with quality jobs is. It is imperative that we work diligently this session to ensure this happens for Pennsylvania. By working closely with my fellow Democrats, I am confident that we can grow the Commonwealth’s economy. We are prepared to lead Pennsylvania.

The success we have had in the past gives us a roadmap to the future.

www.senatorhughes.com