The events of September 11th remind us we cannot take our freedoms for granted. We must always be ready and willing to defend the American way of life. One of our most precious freedoms is our democracy. We have the unique ability to be involved in the political process to directly influence and elect our government leaders. By being involved, we affirm our commitment to democracy.

Congress Unites

The entire NY Congressional Delegation has joined together in coming to the aid of New Yorkers by passing a $20 billion emergency aid bill for the rebuilding of New York.

President Bush released the released the first $5 billion in emergency spending to assist in the humanatarian, recovery and national security needs related to the attack on America.

Some of the priorities that are being addressed in this funding are:

• Support for over -all emergency spending assistance in NY; debris removal and emergency protection measures.
• Emergency grants to health care providers, community health centers, mental health and substance abuse services.
• Funding for low interest disaster loans for renters, homeowners and businesses.
• Funding for Department of Labor Dislocated Workers Program to provide temporary jobs to assist in clean up and restoration efforts.
• Funding for additional airport security and additional law enforcement.

WHY PEOPLE?

PEOPLE (Public Employees Organized to Promote Legislative Equality) is our federal political action program. PEOPLE is your voice in Washington D.C.
We fight for better wages, job security, safe workplaces, health care, social security and making sure we get our fair share of the federal budget for programs for our members. JOIN PEOPLE TODAY!
Call the Political Action Department at 1-800-342-4146 ext 1404 for more information.

Right and Left Join Together in Economic Stimulus Package

Federal Reserve Chairman, Alan Greenspan and labor supported Economic Policy Institute call for government spending in the form of an economic stimulus package in the amount of $100 billion dollars.

Some of the components of the economic stimulus package being suggested are:

• Supplemental unemployment insurance for airline industry employees
• Immediate investment in passenger rail
• Funding for airport security services
• Tax rebates to lower/middle income workers
• Extending the Unemployment Insurance from 26 to 39 weeks and raising the average benefit from $230 to $300 per week
• Increase Federal revenue sharing (States would receive more funds from the Federal government)
• Increase funds for domestic programs such as Head Start, TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families), CHIP (Child Health Insurance Program), childcare development, block grants and housing assistance
• School construction
• Establishing an "Industrial Rebuilding Fund" that would provide loan guarantees to private sectors ranging from aircraft and machine tools to automobiles