When big labor unions are put on a pedestal by bureaucrats in Washington, America’s workers suffer the consequences. That’s precisely what unfolded in Washington on Tuesday when House Democrats brought the so-called Protect the Right to Organize (PRO) Act to the floor. Last year, this bill stalled in the Senate – and rightfully so – but this time it was brought back from the grave with the same partisan agenda and obscure wordsmithing that we’ve seen before. It’s intriguing that even though President Biden and Democrat leadership in Congress are calling for “unity”, this legislation they’re peddling now chooses union favoritism over America’s workers. Coincidence? Absolutely not.
Among the bill’s most harmful and sweeping provisions would be the application of California’s unworkable and discredited ABC test to determine employee status in every state in the union. Like many of the Democrats’ worst ideas, the ABC test was enacted in California in a law known as AB 5, which has caused significant pain to workers, entrepreneurs, and families since taking effect in January 2020. Implementation of the law has gone so poorly that the California legislature was forced to pass dozens of special-interest exemptions within the first year of the law’s effective date. And the law was modified further by a public referendum adopted last November. Yet House Democrats want to nationalize this job killing law without any exemptions or carve outs. Doing so will reduce job opportunities, particularly for those affected by pandemic-related closures and layoffs.
Here are just a few stories of proud Americans who know first-hand the devastating effects of the Democrat-imposed ABC test:
Ms. Lisa Rothstein, a freelancer with a wealth of marketing experience described independent contractors’ view on the concept this way: "We don’t have a problem with people being in unions. We have a problem with people in unions making it hard for us to do our own work."
Monica Wyman, a florist and small business owner in California is also feeling the harmful impacts of AB 5. "I should not have to close my business because I cannot hire in extra help on occasion."
Karen Anderson, a freelance editor, writer, and photographer living in California stated: "these politicians can say what they want about misclassifying…But the result is that lives are being destroyed, tangibly."
Congress should NOT be in the business of discouraging entrepreneurs and self-starters, but that’s exactly what this radical bill is all about. Sadly, it appears House Democrats take no issue with harming workers and destroying jobs as long as their Big Labor allies are happy. I stand with America’s workers, and I will continue to fight against policies that threaten not only their livelihoods, but also the livelihoods of their families.
It’s Time For Answers On School Closures
On Monday, I joined Representatives Scalise (R-LA), Comer (R-KY), and McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash) in calling for a bipartisan investigation into the effects of school closures are having on children with disabilities, and state and local compliance with federal special education requirements. School closures across the United States are adversely impacting students with disabilities and may violate federal law requiring schools to provide them with a “free appropriate public education.” There are more than seven million students with disabilities in the United States, constituting about 14 percent of national public-school enrollment. Special needs children benefit from consistent and attentive, in-person instruction and receive afternoon in-school therapy sessions. The lack of access to these services raises concerns about the impact on their mental health.
The science is clear: it is safe to reopen schools. Getting all children back to full time, in-person instruction, especially those with special needs and disabilities, must be a bipartisan priority. If states or localities are violating federal civil rights laws to the detriment of students, they must be investigated, and their actions corrected. We must open an immediate, bipartisan investigation to ensure students’ needs are met and federal law is followed.
To read the letter, click here.
The American Legion Oratorical Contest
Recently, I had the privilege of serving as a judge for the state finals of the American Legion’s Oratorical Contest in Shelby. Since 1938, this contest has allowed participants from various backgrounds with opportunities to develop an in-depth understanding of leadership qualities, the history of America’s laws, and public speaking. The students who participated in the contest are truly the next civic leaders, business leaders, and community leaders that will shape the future of America. Congratulations to the following participants who scored top marks in the contest in order of their final rankings:
- Savannah McGlothlin, Kings Mountain
Quote of The Week
“Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.”
- John Adams
Have a blessed weekend.
Sincerely,
