Submitted by CWA Local 7901

Referred to Resolutions Committee

EXPLORING THE FORMATION OF A PARTY FOR WORKING PEOPLE IN OREGON

WHEREAS, working people in Oregon are earning less in real terms than they were thirty years ago; and

WHEREAS , job loss in Oregon is increasing at rates far above the national average; and

WHEREAS , medical costs are skyrocketing and one third of working Oregonians have no health care coverage at all; and

WHEREAS , our public schools and colleges are losing funding and our children are losing an opportunity for a decent education; and

WHEREAS , neither major political party has put forth a credible or coherent economic development plan for the state; and

WHEREAS , the current two party monopoly on the political process does not give working people a sufficient voice in shaping economic policy for the State of Oregon; now therefore be it

RESOLVED that the Oregon AFL-CIO convene a coalition of all like minded organizations and individuals to explore the formation of a Working Families Party of Oregon, and the restoration of fusion voting criteria, in order to put forth the economic values and priorities of working families in the political arena.

CWA7901:sh/dma
opeiu11
snl/ibew48
afl-cio
Oct 2005