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Obama Signs Worker-Friendly Executive Order
President Obama’s Signing Worker-Friendly Executive Orders
President also announces creation of a Middle Class Task Force
WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), the chairman of the House Education and Labor, issued the following statement today after President Obama signed three executive orders to restore workers’ rights in federal contracts and the creation of a Middle Class Task Force.
“President Obama today reaffirmed that the interests of hard working Americans will not take a back seat to corporations and CEOs. Overturning these three Bush-era orders is an important step to restore a rational balance regarding the rights of employees in the workplace.
“Also, today’s announcement of the creation of the Middle Class Task Force is another welcome sign that this administration will put the interests of hardworking Americans first. As our nation strives to rebuild the ailing economy, families must be able to share in the increased prosperity. The Middle Class Task Force is an important step towards ensuring that federal laws and regulations support the growing and sustaining of the middle class.”
BACKGROUND
President Obama overturned three Bush administration executive orders today:
Companies receiving government contracts would have to post unbiased information on workers’ rights. Under Bush administration rules, contractors were only required to post information about union dues and not about any other worker rights under the National Labor Relations Act;
Federal contractors cannot be reimbursed for their union-busting campaigns by the federal government; and
Qualified workers and service contractors at federal buildings would have a chance to retain their jobs even if a contract changed or expired.
Posted by Peake, Amy at 07:26PM | Comments () | TrackBack (0)
Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act signed by President Obama
Chairman Miller Applauds Signing of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act
WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), the chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee and chief House sponsor of the legislation, issued the following statement today after President Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act into
“I am proud that the first major piece of legislation signed by President Obama reaffirms the basic and fundamental American value of equal pay for equal work. Unfortunately, the outrageous employment practice of paying workers differently based on prejudice was sanctioned by a sorely misguided Supreme Court decision in May 2007 and demanded immediate attention.
“With President Obama’s signature today, we ensure that women and other workers who are discriminated against while on the job have the ability to receive a fair remedy. Ongoing pay discrimination is an attack on all working Americans and must be stamped out. The Congress and the President restored the law today and ensured that discriminatory paychecks are not immune from challenge.
“I also commend Lilly Ledbetter’s incredible courage and perseverance over the past couple of years in making her voice heard in this debate. Thanks to Lilly Ledbetter’s efforts, even though it is too late for her to receive justice, millions of Americans will be able to once again fight against the despicable practice of workplace discrimination.”
Posted by Peake, Amy at 04:12PM | Comments () | TrackBack (0)
House Approves Economic Rescue Plan
HOUSE APPROVES ECONOMIC RESCUE PLAN
Rep. Miller supports President Obama’s plan to create millions of jobs and strengthen the economy
Washington, D.C. – Rep. George Miller (D – Martinez) released the following statement after the House of Representatives today approved by a vote of 244-188 the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in response to the global economic crisis.
The package was designed to help save or create between 3 - 4 million jobs across the country and could shift close to $30 billion dollars to California as part of bold investments in education, transportation, energy, infrastructure, and healthcare.
“With California’s unemployment rate at 9.3% and rising and five Americans applying for every one job available, Congress had no choice but to step in and take action,” said Miller. “Passing the our recovery plan today is a first and necessary step in helping families get up on their feet and back to work.
“Economists from every political point of view have testified that swift, bold action is the only way to stem the economic freefall that has gripped our country and much of the world and put us in a stronger position when the recession finally ends.
“The policies of the last eight years were a disaster for working Americans, families, retirees, and our health care system. Americans voted in November for a new direction. With our economic package, President Obama and Democrats in Congress signal our commitment to creating new jobs in a new economy, investment in renewable energy, improving public schools and college opportunities so our children will be prepared to compete in the global economy in the years to come.
“President Obama committed to signing this legislation when it arrives on his desk. I expect that my colleagues in the Senate will also act swiftly on this measure so that we can send it to the President for his signature next month.”
Posted by Peake, Amy at 04:06PM | Comments () | TrackBack (0)
