Russ with firefighters at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet in Milwaukee.

Working Families

SUPPORT FOR WORKING FAMILIES

"Working families in Wisconsin and across America form the backbone of our economy and are at the root of our prosperity. In the coming years, economic security for our country will mean long-term job security for working families, strong public education, affordable health care, and a Social Security system that will be ready to meet the needs of retiring Americans. I will continue to fight to raise the minimum wage to meet the costs of living, and I will continue to fight against irresponsible corporate tax breaks at the expense of working families.

We in the Senate have important jobs to finish: we should push to pass legislation on ergonomic protection that was vetoed by President Bush, and we should push to oppose "fast-track" negotiating authority for the White House that might circumvent basic workers' rights in trade agreements. The recent Enron debacle should remind us of the crucial importance of protecting workers' pensions. I have the utmost respect for the dedicated American working families and I will continue to defend the right to organize in the workplace."

U.S. Senator Russ Feingold on backing Tyson Foods strikers: "I am very disappointed - very disappointed - that Tyson Foods has chosen to hire replacement workers. Most companies respect the rights of workers, and we don't want tactics that are used in Arkansas here in Wisconsin. We will not allow a huge out-of-state corporation to come in here and undermine how we do business in Wisconsin and develop communities in Wisconsin. Something very wrong is happening here. Something very unfair is happening here." Capital Times - June 23, 2003

ACHIEVEMENTS

Recognition from Labor Unions: In their most recent ratings, Senator Feingold received among the highest rankings of any seated Senators for his voting record from the AFL-CIO, the International Association of Firefighters, the Teamsters, the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees, the American Federation of Teachers, the United Auto Workers, the Service Employees International Union, and several other labor groups.

Fighting for Ergonomic Protection: Senator Feingold strongly opposed the Bush Administration's resolution to repeal basic ergonomic protections, a vital workplace health and safety protection.

Opposing "Fast-Track" Negotiating Authority: Senator Feingold opposes "fast-track," which would give the President authority to negotiate trade agreements. Fast Track legislation has not required the president to include enforceable protections for the environment and workers' rights in our trade agreements, lacks adequate procedures for consultation with Congress and the public, harms independent farmers, and limits democratic debate about trade policy.

Raising the Minimum Wage: Senator Feingold fought for and helped pass the 1996 Minimum Wage Increase Act. This law increased the federal minimum wage from $4.25 to $5.15. Overall this new law raised 300,000 individuals out of poverty - including 100,000 children. Senator Feingold supports ongoing Democratic initiatives to raise the minimum wage to a higher, fairer level.

Supporting the Family and Medical Leave Act: Senator Feingold was an original cosponsor of the Family and Medical Leave Act. This law guarantees time off for people to care for a new child, or to care for a sick child, spouse, or elderly parent without losing their job or health insurance.

Stimulating the Economy: In 1992, Senator Feingold and President Clinton were elected during one of the worst economic recessions of this century. By casting the deciding vote to pass the 1993 deficit reduction package and other programs to stimulate the economy, Russ worked with the President to guide us out of the storm and into the longest peacetime economic expansion in our country's history.

Expanding the Earned-Income Tax Credit: Senator Feingold was the deciding vote for the 1993 Democratic Budget that provided tax relief for more than 15 million working families that earn under $30,000 a year by expanding the earned-income tax credit.

Defending the Right to Organize: Unscrupulous employers have successfully been able to weaken the bargaining power of America's labor by using temporary workers or "strikebreakers" during strikes. Senator Feingold has cosponsored legislation to prohibit hiring permanent replacement workers and has fought efforts to overturn President Clinton's executive order prohibiting federal contractors from using strikebreakers.

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