Common Ground March 2011 by JH Communications

CommonGround

MARCH 2011

RH O D E I S L A N D

The fight is on, and we are full prepared Hundreds of union members rally for solidarity By William McCaffrey, Common Ground Staff PROVIDENCE – “We are the unions! The mighty, mighty unions!” This was just one of the many chants heard throughout the State House on Tuesday, February 22, as members of labor unions across Rhode Island gathered to rally in support of their fellow union members in Wisconsin. In response to the recent denial of labor union bargaining rights by Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, some 400 proud union workers assembled in Providence to let their voices be heard. Equipped with signs, T-shirts, and even a few plastic horns, the crowd made it clear exactly how they felt about the situation. The message was simple – this was not about Rhode Island, it was about Wisconsin. This was not an attempt at attacking their own government, but a display of camaraderie for their union brethren halfway across the country. This rally was a showcase of solidarity between each and every union in America. Many of the signs in the crowd said simply, “We are Wisconsin.” J. Michael Downey, President of the AFSCME’s Rhode Island Council 94, spoke passionately about the struggle that Wisconsin now has on its hands, and how all union members are soon to have a fight on their hands. “It’s important that we protect the rights that we fought for, we have worked too hard not stand up and fight. We feel it is very important for us to stand together and protect the rights of public workers.” Another theme of the rally was the idea that denying bargaining rights and ultimately eradicating unions is not the way to save the economy. The recent events in Wisconsin are “a result of corporate greed and political power,” according to National

Education Association (NEA) President, Larry Purtill. Creating jobs and not destroying labor unions is the way to save the economy. These unions, the working class, are the backbone of America, and their efforts are the reason the country is prosperous. Purtill did go on to praise the Chafee Administration for its stance on unions, as the Governor’s efforts will be more diplomatic. According to a spokesperson, Governor Chafee is looking for suggestions from both sides and will plan accordingly to create the most balanced budget possible. The rally was not without opposition. A few advocates of the actions in Wisconsin could be found scattered throughout the densely-packed crowd and found themselves on the receiving end of heckling and boos. This eventually escalated into one physical altercation, but the skirmish ended quickly with the perpetrators being escorted out by police. It did serve the purpose of showing us just

This is a struggle we all endure together, a struggle for freedom. The freedom to organize.

— George Nee

how strongly each side believes in their cause. It is interesting to note that Governor Walker’s decision did not affect all unions in Wisconsin. Public safety organizations, such as the police or firefighters, have maintained their full bargaining rights are; this begs the question, “why?” One answer is that these public safety officials have generally supported Walker and his administration. This creates a double-edged sword and a potentially dangerous, hostile environment from those negatively affected. These shades of gray will cause continued discord, anger, and quite possibly more than the occasional scuffle. The decision of Governor Walker is a catalyst for future bargaining right cuts, further protests,

and possibly a systematic breakdown of the entire labor movement. Scott Duhamel, Representative of BuildRI, said “this is the beginning of the Apocalypse. They are turning back the hands of time, so what’s next? Should we bring back child labor? What about longer work weeks?” Duhamel went on to stress the importance of working families sticking together through these tough times to support each other. President of the AFL-CIO of Rhode Island, George Nee, was the final and most-warmly welcomed speaker of the rally. He expanded upon Duhamel’s comments about families maintaining their bonds by reminding us that each and every union member is part of the same family. When something happens to our “brothers and sisters” in Wisconsin, or any other state, it happens to the union members of Rhode Island. “We are all part of a family, and we don’t like it when our family members get picked on. This is a struggle we all endure together, a struggle for freedom. The freedom to organize.” Nee went on to say that the frauds and phonies of Wall Street have brought the economy down, and are now attempting to take their anger towards the economic downturn and put it on the middle class. The meeting was quick but powerful in its show of support. The people spoke, and their voices were heard. The message, as adequately put by Scott Duhamel, was simple: the fight is on, and we are fully prepared. R

“Labor is the United States! The men and women, who with their minds, their hearts and hands, create the wealth that is shared by this country – they are America. — Dwight D. Eisenhower (R) Primary

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Common Ground

MARCH 2011

Players for New England Patriots join RI AFL-CIO By Paul V. Palange

Members of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO now have some world-class football players in their ranks. The

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MARCH 2011

Common Ground

Page 3

Nee Rallies the troops By George H. Nee

Editor’s note: George H. Nee, president of the Rhode Island-AFL-CIO, delivered the following speech at a recent solidarity rally at the Statehouse in Providence in support of state workers in Wisconsin, Indiana and Ohio. Thank you for coming out today and showing your support for the workers in Wisconsin, Indiana and Ohio. What you have done today is shown the true spirit and value of the Rhode Island and American labor movement. We are a family and we don’t like it when someone gets picked on; and we don’t like it when someone gets trodden upon. It is our obligation to speak up, and by being here today you are doing just that. There is a myth about this fight, and I guess it depends on what media you listen to, that it is not supported by the general public, but some recent polling shows that the effort by the Wisconsin governor is not worthy. A Greenberg poll from this week shows that 51 percent of the people in Wisconsin oppose the governor’s actions and 62 percent support the labor movement. The situation in Wisconsin is really a struggle about freedom, it is not a struggle over how much people make or pay for their benefits, it is about freedom; the freedom to organize, the freedom of speech, the freedom of assembly, which we do here today. This is about our freedom to organize as unions and our freedom to engage in the collective bargaining process. People may get caught up in the little details, but remember the big picture — this is about your freedom and all workers’ freedom to have a say on the job and a voice in their life, and we are not going to give that up. It is critical for people to understand that there is anger in this country, there is economic uncertainty, there is anxiety and there is fear for the future of whether someone will have a job or their children will have a job. There is plenty to be angry about, but there are forces who are directing that anger to the wrong places. They are directing that anger at the men and women who provide the services to their fellow citizens on a daily basis. It is directed at those who get up in the morning and make sure that when there is a snowstorm you can get to work safely, and those who take care of the prisoners, of the sick and of the handicapped. They are not the enemy; they are the people who provide us with a safe and civilized society. The anger should be directed at the corporate barons and the economic royalists and the frauds on Wall Street and the phony regulators that brought down this country’s economic system. They are the reason we are in trouble. Their minions in the media and the think tanks have directed the anger at working people, when the anger should be directed at Wall Street and the greedy corporations who have almost ruined our society. If we get people back to work, America will come back stronger than before.

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There is a message that we have to get people to understand and it has been said before — we have a middle class because of the American labor movement. It was the people who sacrificed, who went on strike, who got shot at, who were murdered, who walked on picket lines that made this a great country. They fought to make America a great country and as the labor movement goes, so goes all the working people. We have to make sure that the message goes out loud and clear that if the American labor movement or the Wisconsin labor movement or the Rhode Island labor movement is destroyed, broken up, or weakened in any way, it will impact the standard of living for every single working family in America. The public should be directing their anger at Wall Street and their energy at organizing more workers, and that is what is going to make for a better state and country. I want to close with some remarks that were made many, many years ago by a minister in Germany, Martin Niemoller: “In Germany, they came first for the communists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn’t speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time, no one was left to speak up.” Now, there is a danger in using a poem like that because in no way should we equate what is happening in Wisconsin with what happened during the Holocaust in Nazi Germany; that would be unfair. However, the message is that when you see injustice or inequality or oppression or tyrants, we, each and every one of us, have an obligation to speak up. And as we leave here today, I want you to leave with a pride that you spoke up for the injustices that are happening in our own country today. God bless you. Men and women of the Rhode Island and American labor movements, let’s stick together and show the country what solidarity really is. Thank you.

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Common Ground

MARCH 2011

Building leaders hope government construction projects stimulate job creation By Paul V. Palange PROVIDENCE -- Employment in the building trades has declined between 40 percent and 50 percent since 2008, and many of the men and women hoping the economy and industry will rebound in the near future are surviving because of second and third extensions of jobless benefits, according to Michael F. Sabitoni, president of the Rhode Island Construction and Building Trades Council. However, Sabitoni and Gregory A. Mancini, executive director and general counsel of Build Rhode Island, are optimistic that pending government sector construction projects will start a trend of job creation that lasts for several years. One of those projects is the second phase of the Narragansett Bay Commission’s (NBC) combined sewer overflows (CSO) program. The largest ever civil works project in Rhode Island, it is estimated that phase II of the project will cost approximately $225 million and create from 200 to 300 union construction jobs, according to Joe Pratt of The Louis Berger Group Inc., program manager for the project. Advertising to solicit bids for different aspects of the project is expected to start soon, Pratt said, and substantial completion of the second phase is targeted for December 2014. The objective of NBC’s CSO program is to substantially reduce the amount of sewage and rainwater that enters Narragansett Bay and its tributaries untreated. The first phase of the project included construction of tunnels and a pump station, which were put into use in October 2008. According to the NBC, millions of gallons of combined water and wastewater that would have gone straight into Narragansett Bay have been treated because of the abatement program. The second part of the three-phase project will consist of the construction of two interceptors to reduce the discharge from combined sewer overflows at approximately 17 locations during and after wet weather, according

to the NBC. The interceptors will be located along the Seekonk and Woonasquatucket rivers and will convey flows to the main spine tunnel constructed as part of phase I. The Woonasquatucket interceptor will be 19,150 feet long, and the Seekonk interceptor will be 11,200 feet long. Phase II also includes construction of two sewer separation projects in Providence as well as a wetlands treatment facility in Central Falls. In addition to the NBC project, voters approved two statewide referendums last November for bonds that will lead to construction at the University of Rhode Island (URI) in Kingston, Rhode Island College (RIC) in Providence and road construction projects, Sabitoni and Mancini said. URI is expected to receive $61 million in bond money for a new center for chemical and forensic sciences, and RIC is to receive $17 million to renovate an antiquated arts center. Students have complained that while using the center, they suffer headaches and have difficulty breathing because of inadequate ventilation. According to URI officials, Pastore Hall -- the existing chemistry building constructed in 1953 – lacks the space to meet the demand of students who have to take chemistry classes and the amenities for research and development that students and professors could conduct to assist entrepreneurs and companies start businesses that would bolster the state’s growing knowledge economy, he said. RIC’s arts center is about 52 years old and needs several repairs to correct health and safety deficiencies. The $17 million will fund work to improve air quality, heating and cooling equipment and to expand the facility. Approval of the $84.7-million transportation bond issue will allow the state Department of Transportation to continue its new bridge and highway construction and repair programs. Of the bond issue, $80 million will be allocated to the DOT, which it needs to put up to capture about $440 in funding from the federal government. The remaining $4.7 million of the bond issue is earmarked for the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority to pay for new buses with the help of matching federal grants. According to DOT, the state’s bridges and thoroughfares are in such disrepair, that there are 75 infrastructure construction projects scheduled to begin between this year and 2014. They involve repairing and replacing bridges, repaving popular bicycle paths and reconstructing roads. Sabitoni and Mancini believe the state will conduct the projects on the drawing board because Gov. Lincoln Chafee is what Sabitoni characterized as an “infrastructure guy,” who oversaw similar work while serving as mayor of Warwick. “We have a lot of goods things in place,” Sabitoni said, “but it’s still going to be a long bumpy road to recovery.” While the voter-approved government-funded projects would generate some much-needed jobs, construction activity in the private sector must also increase to get more laborers off the bench and back into the game. Robust activity, however, still could be three to five years away, according to Sabitoni.

MARCH 2011

Common Ground

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Common Ground

MARCH 2011

Health reform: It’s time to act By John A. Furia

The enactment of the Patient Access and Affordable Care Act is the most significant achievement of its kind since the creation of Medicare and Medicaid. Sadly, the long and heated debate over health care reform has obscured the reality about the new law. Broad public support: The American people seem divided over the new law, yet when polled, the public supports key elements of the new legislation: • Repeal of restrictions on pre-existing conditions • Removal of lifetime maximums on insurance coverage costs • Retention of coverage for dependents to age 26 Only when health care reform is identified as a government program or mandated health coverage does public support decline. Even now, the public appears divided over outright repeal of the new law, as some advocate, since the process of implementation has begun and the general public has become more aware of its key provisions. Fuzzy math and health reform: Reviewing the respective costs and benefits of the existing health care system is best described as a calculation involving fuzzy math. America is the country that spends the most on health care per capita, but the life expectancy is roughly equal to Poland, the Czech Republic and Mexico. The United States also has some of the highest rates of infant mortality among industrialized countries. So, we need to ask: How can a nation spend more on health care and still get less quality? Those health indicators alone tell us that America has a lot of work to do. Ideology collides with reality: Sixteen GOP freshman representatives declined the federal health insurance normally provided to members of Congress. After waiving coverage, they discovered that private insurance alternatives were costly, had limited coverage and, in one instance, had restrictions on pre-existing conditions. Before that, all of the GOP freshmen had opposed health reform on ideological grounds and now, as a result of first-hand experience, appear to have a better understanding of its importance. Often, reality is very different from inflated rhetoric. It’s one thing to discuss issues in the abstract; it’s another when it affects real people in the real world. Time to move forward: While political and legal debates continue unabated, most informed observers believe that it is in the nation’s interest to provide affordable health care. Many also believe that there is broad support for the notion that it’s time to move forward — time to implement key provisions of the reform legislation without undue delay. As the process of implementation unfolds, let’s see if we can open a national dialogue to encourage discussion, exchange ideas and explore alternatives on ways to improve, not repeal or disrupt key parts of health care reform. Working

together, supporters and skeptics alike can make this landmark legislation accomplish the goal of providing comprehensive health coverage for all Americans. Collaboration is a key activity for the states: One way to move forward is by encouraging collaboration and innovation by the states. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis once noted that states can serve as laboratories for policy experimentation. In that spirit, we should let states use the proposed health exchanges to expand coverage or offer other options to provide health care at lower costs. The Department of Health and Human Services has the legal authority to offer waivers on full compliance with all aspects of the law. Many waivers have already been granted for a host of circumstances. Perhaps health care collaboration and innovation at the state level can be encouraged by use of that authority. In the last analysis, whatever the venue, health care reform will happen only with concerted activity and effort. To use a favorite phrase, “Let’s walk the walk and forget the talk.” Ultimately, actions will count far more than words. With the passage of health reform legislation, America has been presented with a unique opportunity to move the nation forward. Let’s not lose this critical moment. John A. Furia is an assistant professor in the Department of Business Administration at Augsburg College, Minneapolis, Minn., specializing in human resources issues and interest-based negotiation. He served for 30 years with District Council 94, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees New England, and was executive director of the council for 20 years. Contact him at furia@augsburg.edu.

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Common Ground

Social Security and you:

Page 7

What’s at stake? By By John A. Pernorio For 75 years, Social Security has operated as a family insurance program that serves Americans of all ages, not just retirees. Social Security provides vital life and disability insurance protection for millions of citizens, especially children. About 6 million children — nearly 9 percent of American children — live in households where an adult relies on Social Security. Of the 6 million children, 1.1 million were lifted out of poverty by Social Security income. Children may receive Social Security benefits until they turn 18 — 19 if they are full-time students. Disabled children may receive benefits indefinitely if they incurred their disabilities before reaching age 22. Social Security benefits are based on a worker’s earnings; the more a worker makes, the higher the benefit amount will be. Because some workers have little income to save for retirement, Social Security uses a benefit formula that replaces a greater fraction of the lifetime earnings of low earners than high earners. A minimum-wage worker’s earnings will be replaced at 60 percent; an average-wage worker’s earnings will be replaced at 42 percent; and a high-wage worker’s earnings will be replaced at 26 percent. Retirement age and low-wage earners Even though life expectancy for high-income men has increased by five years since 1982, lower-income men have seen a gain of only 1.1 years, and lower-income women have actually seen life expectancy decline. That means a high-income man can expect to live almost four years longer than his lower-income cohort. If the retirement age were raised to 70, for instance, both income levels would be affected, but the lower-income man would be especially hard-hit because he would have less time in retirement than his higher-income counterpart. What is Social Security Disability Insurance? According to the Social Security Administration, 3 in 10 men and 1 in 4 women will become seriously disabled prior to reaching their Social Security retirement age. Disability can cause severe, often unexpected,

financial hardship. Studies show that more than $1 million in retirement assets can be lost if a 50-year-old experiences a two-year disability and does not have disability insurance. By safeguarding against that risk, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) protects against poverty in retirement years. The program also provides important benefits to disabled individuals’ family members, especially their children: children account for more than 20 percent of all disability beneficiaries. SSDI provides monthly benefits to people who have paid their Social Security taxes. Unlike SSDI, private disability insurance is generally not adjusted for inflation, and it is not designed to cover disabled workers or their children. Spotlight: Women and Social Security Many older women enter retirement with fewer economic resources than men. In 2009, half of older women relied on Social Security for 80 percent or more of their income. That exclusive reliance on Social Security is partly due to the fact that only a small percentage of older women receive pension income. Due in part to the persistent wage gap, and because so many women have to spent time away from work to meet care-giving responsibilities, most women do not have significant personal savings. Although some women enter their retirement years with additional sources of income, longer life expectancies put them at greater risk of exhausting their funds. For these reasons and more, Social Security is especially important to women. Social Security and the economy Last year marked the 75th year that Social Security has kept seniors out of poverty, but some members of Congress see it differently. Even though Social Security has not added a penny to our budget deficit, many on Capitol Hill want to balance the budget on the backs of seniors. We must fight to protect and preserve Social Security. John A. Pernorio is president of the Rhode Island Alliance for Retired Americans.

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Common Ground

MARCH 2011

Several bills take aim at eliminating abuse of pets in Rhode Island By Dennis Tabella

The General Assembly has several significant proposals relating to the

humane treatment of animals to consider this year. The proposed legislation includes:

Bill S-0091: Introduced by Sen. John J. Tassoni Jr. (D-Smithfield) and

co-sponsored by Sens. Paul W. Fogarty (D-Burrillville and Glocester) and Frank A. DeVall Jr. (D-East Providence), this bill requires animal shelters to establish a registry of all organizations willing to accept animals for adoption or long-term placement. It would also require shelters to meet certain conditions prior to euthanizing an animal.

Especially important is the fact that up to 3,000 animals a year are

destroyed in Rhode Island. Delaware lawmakers recently passed legislation that makes Delaware the first no-kill state. There is no reason that Rhode Island cannot do the same. Defenders of Animals backs Bill S-0091, which moves Rhode Island toward being a no-kill state for dogs and cats housed at animal shelters.

Bill S-0092: Introduced by Sen. Rhoda E. Perry (D-Providence) and co-

sponsored by Sens. DeVall, Tassoni, V. Susan Sosnowski (D-Block Island and South Kingstown) and Joshua Miller (D-Cranston), this bill would prohibit persons convicted of animal cruelty from possessing or residing with animals.

Bill S-0093: Introduced by Sen. Tassoni and co-sponsored by Sens.

DeVall and Elizabeth A. Crowley (D-Central Falls), this bill “would require any person [working] at an animal shelter, whether it is as a new employee

of training offered by the National Animal Control Association.” Over

Bill S-141: Introduced by Sen. Tassoni and co-sponsored by Sens.

Lombardo, Perry, DeVall and David E. Bates (R-Barrington), this bill would

the years, there have been numerous incidents and countless complaints regarding the actions of animal control officers. There is an inconsistency in the level of knowledge and expertise among Rhode Island’s animal control

create an animal abuser registry and impose penalties for failure to register. Most Rhode Islanders are not aware of the number of animal abusers in our state. It’s crucial that all the shelters, groups and neighbors be aware of those

officers. Bill S-0138 was introduced by Sens. Tassoni, Fogarty, Louis P.

individuals.

DiPalma (D-Little Compton and Middletown) and Dominick J. Ruggerio

(D-Providence) to address the same issue.

Bill S-0160: Introduced by Sen. Tassoni and co-sponsored by Sens.

Doyle, Crowley and Dawson Tucker Hodgson (R-North Kingstown), this

Bill S-0094: Introduced by Sen. DeVall and co-sponsored by Sens.

Tassoni, Crowley, Paul V. Jabour (D-Providence) and Donna M. Nesselbush (D-Pawtucket), this bill would impose a $300 fine, to be paid to the state

bill would make it a misdemeanor to confine any animal to a motor vehicle in a manner that threatens its life or health by prolonged exposure to extreme heat or cold. It would allow law enforcement and animal control officers

Department of Environmental Management, on any licensed releasing

to take all necessary actions to remove the confined animal from danger.

agency offering cats that are not spayed or neutered for sale or adoption.

14 states have laws aimed at preventing pet owners from leaving animals in

Although Rhode Island is the only state with a mandatory cat spay/neuter law, some shelters still offer cats that are not spayed or neutered for adoption.

definitions of “proper food,” “proper water” and “proper veterinary care” to the chapter on cruelty to animals.

or existing employee, subsequent to Jan. 1, 2012, to achieve a certain level

a dog outside without adequate shelter from the elements, and would add

Bill S-0140: Introduced by Sen. Tassoni and co-sponsored by Sens.

motor vehicles for an extended amount of time. The cities of East Providence and Warwick recently passed local ordinances with similar protections, but the issue still needs to be addressed at the state level.

Perry, DeVall, Frank Lombardo III (D-Johnston) and James E. Doyle II

(D-Pawtucket), this bill would impose penalties on any person who keeps

Bill S-0266: Introduced by Sen. Ruggerio and co-sponsored by Sens.

Perry, Miller, Tassoni and Hanna M. Gallo (D-Cranston), this bill states that no person shall surgically debark or silence a dog or cat unless a veterinarian licensed in the state has filed a written certification with the applicable animal control officer, stating that the procedure is medically necessary to treat or relieve a disease or injury, or to correct a congenital abnormality that is causing or

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Common Ground

MARCH 2011

I inherited my blue eyes and fondness for cocaine from my father By Michael J. Blackburn Why do some people become addicted, while others do not? Studies of identical twins indicate that as much as half of an individual’s risk of becoming addicted to nicotine, alcohol or other drugs depends on his or her genes. Pinning down the biological basis for that risk is an important avenue of research for scientists trying to solve the problem of drug abuse. While I don’t want this article to feel like a trip back to school, it is important to point out that genes — functional units that make up our DNA — provide the information that directs our bodies’ basic cellular activities. Research on the human genome (the complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism) has shown that the DNA sequences of any two individuals are 99.9 percent identical. However, that .1 percent variation is profoundly important, contributing to both visible (height, hair color) and invisible (risk of heart disease) differences. Diseases like sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis are caused by an error in a single gene, and research has been strikingly successful at unraveling the mechanisms of those single-gene disorders. However, most diseases, including

addiction, are more complicated: variations in many different genes contribute to an individual’s overall level of risk or resistance. Scientific advancements have provided the addiction community with some preliminary understanding of “what” addiction may be, but “how” is better understood by combining elements from both science and environment, or nature and nurture. Research shows that individual health is the result of dynamic interactions between genes and environmental conditions. For example, susceptibility to high blood pressure is influenced by both genetics and lifestyle, including diet, stress and exercise. Environmental influences such as exposure to drugs or stress can alter both gene expression and gene function. In some cases, those effects may persist throughout a person’s life. Research suggests that genes can also influence how a person responds to his or her environment, placing some individuals at higher risk than others. That certainly provides us with a better understanding of “what” is happening, but “how” it happens is one of the few variables that can be altered to create a better outcome. A child may be predisposed to addiction, but

if their addicted parent gets the help they need, then maybe that child never picks up a drink. Think about that for a second: the cycle stops right there and we all have a say in the outcome. Doing something as basic (but not easy) as acknowledging the elephant in the room saves not only addicts, but also their children. Armed with an understanding of genetics and environment, health providers will be better equipped to match patients with the most suitable treatments, adjust medication dosages and avoid or minimize adverse reactions while finding the ideal environment for recovery. There will never be a quick fix for addiction, but by addressing the addiction that already surrounds us and listening to science, cycles of abuse can be stopped early on. Michael J. Blackburn is senior vice president for Treatment Solutions Network, a founding member and past president of the Rhode Island Chapter of Labor Assistance Professionals, vice president of the board of directors of the Rhode Island Council on Alcoholism and past national labor director for the Employee Assistance Professionals Association. Contact him at mikeb@tsnemail.com or (401) 255-4622.

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Common Ground

Page 11

Diabetes does not deter 43-year-old community college professor what I should be doing.” Amy developed type 1 diabetes at the age of 18. The 43-year-old Booth, who is a member of the Massachusetts Teachers Union, will participate in the century ride of the Rhode Island Tour de Cure on June 5 in Narragansett and serve as a team captain. Since her first Tour, Booth has recruited

Amy Booth is no stranger to healthy pursuits. An associate professor of dental hygiene at Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, Mass., and a member of the Massachusetts Community College Council, her hobbies include aerobics, spinning, horseback riding and cycling. I recently caught up with Booth as she was preparing for her fifth Tour de Cure. “My first ride was in 2006,” says the professor. “It was a two-day ride, broken up at 75 (miles) the first day. I had one other rider, and we completed the additional 25 (miles) that same day. It was complete exhilaration.” A cyclist for more than seven years, Booth learned of the Rhode Island Tour de Cure while completing another ride. “I was in the Pan-Mass, a Dana Farber benefit, when another rider told me of the tour. I said this is

more that 20 cyclists to ride with her. “People are really generous,” she said. “Many are willing to make a commitment to an organization. My friend from Ohio says it is the best ride he has ever done. It’s been easy, social and fun.” That can-do attitude supports the American Diabetes Association and diabetics on personal and professional levels.

“Seven years after (my) diagnosis, a childhood friend developed diabetes. She had trouble with lows. We spoke often,” Booth said. At the college where she teaches, Booth is involved with research on baby teeth from juvenile diabetics. The study involves extracting cells from dental pulp to better understand diabetes in young children. I asked her to cite people that she has inspired. She paused momentarily. She then recalled a conversation with a friend. Her friend told someone that Booth was diabetic, but she quickly interjected: “Do not say I am diabetic, I live with diabetes.” I couldn’t help but repeat that quote as our conversation came to a close. I repeated it long after our talk ended. For as the father of a type 1 10-yearold, I am among those inspired. For more profiles of riders and Tour de Cure information, go online to www.diabetes.org and follow the links.

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Page 12

Common Ground

MARCH 2011

Another out of date regulation that hampers job growth By Laurie White Now is the perfect time to discard an archaic Rhode Island regulation that hampers job growth. Ours is the only state that requires all non-exempt private sector workers to be compensated every seven days. We make the “private sector” distinction because the state, itself a huge employer, is exempt from that requirement. However, the proverbial “little guy on Main Street,” the middle-market service firm in the knowledge district or even the Fortune 1000 company in our corporate office park, must comply with the regulation. All of those eagerly sought-after employers must make special arrangements to draw up a separate payroll for their Rhode Island workers. We are certain that’s not a good idea. It’s obvious why. The national norm is for employers to issue paychecks twice a month. The American Payroll Association (APA) notes that alternative pay

frequencies are allowed throughout the country for non-exempt workers. And from a smartbudgeting perspective, “there is no reason to believe that workers in Rhode Island would not fare as well as workers in other states.” Further, the APA calculates that Rhode Island employers are likely to spend an additional $16 million a year on payroll processing — money that could be reinvested in other work force development activities if biweekly payrolls were to be permitted. Regrettably, it is not a perfect world. Good, hard-working people can be victimized by employers that suddenly shut down in the middle of the night. That’s wrong, and legal recourse can and should be taken against those who walk away from their responsibilities to pay up. Recognizing that it is an imperfect world, however, let’s put our faith and confidence in the 99.99 percent of Rhode Island employers who are committed to

doing the right thing and would appreciate having a payroll processing system that’s consistent with the national practice. Pending legislation (H-5184) in the General Assembly would nix the nettlesome payroll regulation and give private sector employers the same privilege the state has reserved for itself. Because we are cognizant of collective bargaining, our legislation allows for unionized workers to be exempt from the law and write their own pay frequency rules into their contracts. That is a simple solution to a usual objection. As Rhode Island claws back from recession, passage of H-5184 would signal that we are serious about mapping a new and better way forward. Laurie White, President, Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce

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Common Ground

Page 13

Monitoring program shows osprey thriving in Ocean State Volunteer monitors peered up at osprey nests through spotting scopes and binoculars and recorded what they saw. They mapped nest sites, noted activity levels and counted the fuzzy heads of newly-hatched chicks. Through regular visits, they saw the young birds mature, spread their wings and finally leave the nest. A total of 89 successful osprey nests and 171 fledged young were recorded, proof that the once-endangered osprey population is now healthy and thriving in Rhode Island. The number of fledgling ospreys observed in 2010 was the highest recorded since the program began more than 30 years ago. “We are very pleased with the results of the 2010 monitoring effort,” said July Lewis, the Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s volunteer coordinator and manager of the Rhode Island Osprey Monitoring Program. “It is very encouraging to see the osprey population steadily increasing over time.” Initiated in 1977 by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) and now managed by the Audubon Society, the program was established to carefully follow the state osprey population as it recovered from the effects of DDT, a pesticide used from the ’40s to

the ’60s. In 1978, the future looked grim for the osprey, as DDT had taken a major toll on the population of this fish-eating bird. The poison had worked its way through the food chain and resulted in very thin and weak eggshells, which broke easily when incubated. The chemical was banned in 1972, thanks to efforts by the Audubon Society and other environmental groups across the country, but its impact was still felt in raptor populations for years. Since 1978, the monitoring program has been made possible by biologists and volunteers, who have diligently observed all known nests in Rhode Island and carefully recorded data on how many chicks fledged each year. “Audubon is very grateful to all the dedicated volunteers who did such a great job monitoring,” said Lewis. “We could not do this without them. Spotting scopes provide the best observations, and I encourage anyone who has a scope and is interested in volunteering to contact us.” To see the first issue of Audubon’s “Osprey Report,” go online to http://www. asri.org/images/volunteering/osprey%20newsletter%202010.pdf. Contact Lewis at (401) 949-5454, extension 3044, or e-mail jlewis@asri.org for more information or to volunteer for the program.

When was the last time you rode a bus or train? By Barry Schiller How many Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) buses a day do you think go between Providence and T.F. Green International Airport, Newport and Pawtucket? How many trains between Boston and Providence? The answers follow. I ask these questions because I have found that existing services are much better than most non-users think. Indeed, there are 50 buses to and from the airport every weekday (14 of them are expresses along I-95), 43 buses each day to and from Newport and more than 150 to Pawtucket. There are other routes with frequent service: 15 Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) commuter trains each way to Boston, and 19 Amtrak trains. Non-users usually estimate much lower numbers. But there are plenty of non-users. The 2000 census reported that only 2.5 percent of Rhode Island work trips were by transit, about half the national average. That is not likely to have changed much since then. Yet planners, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, public heath advocates, key elements of the business community, transit workers and environmentalists all seek a well-used, robust transit system. So why is the number of users so low? In 2006, that question actually resulted in a legislatively mandated study of non-users. The study found that in addition to not realizing the level of service, 88 percent of non-users drove alone and 91 percent had free parking. Only 26 percent said that nothing would make them look into taking a bus. Thus the good news: 74 percent are potential passengers. Free monthly passes, more direct routes and more frequent service were cited as needs to get them to take a bus to work. There is other good news. More efficient hybrid buses and locomotives are arriving. The MBTA has extended service to Warwick, and in another year, it will be extended to North Kingstown. RIPTA is working on a 10-point program to improve transit in the metro area, including developing an “eco-pass” with businesses to provide transit incentives for employees. Check to see if your employer is participating. The Rhode Island College student community government has put up some activity

fee funds so that RIC students can get half-price bus passes. There is a growing awareness of the economic harm created each time we buy a gallon of gas. At today’s prices, about $2.10 flows out of state to oil companies or foreign suppliers. In contrast, our bus and train fares stay largely within the regional economy. There is also a growing awareness of the environmental cost to our climate, water and air from our dependence on oil for our cars. The costs of car ownership are also a burden on individual families. A 2009 study by the Urban Land Institute estimated that Providence area households spend an average of nearly $11,700 a year for transportation. AAA has estimated that the average annual cost of owning a car is about $9,641. Using public transportation can save the cost of an additional vehicle, as is the case with me and my wife, who share one car. So consider doing your part to reduce congestion and pollution. Though transit obviously cannot work for every trip, consider checking out www.ripya.com<http://www.ripya.com/>; or www.mbta.com<http:// www.mbta.com>. Barry Schiller is a member of the state’s Transportation Advisory Committee and can be reached at bschiller@localnet.com

Page 14

Common Ground

MARCH 2011

Rhode Island health reform update By Elizabeth H. Roberts Chair, RI Healthcare Reform Commission The Rhode Island Healthcare Reform Commission is the group in state government charged with implementing federal health care reform. The reform law, also known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA), was signed by President Obama last year. Between now and 2014, a number of programs will go into effect to get as many Americans as possible into affordable, effective health coverage. While the ACA sets up the national health care reform guidelines, many decisions on the details of how programs will work are left up to the states. That means that over the next three years, Rhode Island has a lot of decisions to make that will shape the structure of its health care system for decades. The Healthcare Reform Commission, along with its executive committee, will be looking at each of those decision points and presenting Gov. Lincoln Chafee with options for reform. Additionally, the commission will be looking beyond the four corners of the ACA, taking the opportunity to make changes to our health care system that will focus on keeping care affordable and accessible without sacrificing the high quality of services that we all deserve. There are a number of benefits for small businesses in the ACA. They are already seeing the first benefit, which is the small business tax credit. Small employers with no more than 25 employees and average annual wages under $50,000 will receive tax credits if they purchase health benefits for their employees. The tax credit went into effect for tax year 2010 and is variable based on the number of employees. The next benefit is the creation of a health benefit “exchange.” An exchange is essentially a state-run marketplace for individuals and small businesses to purchase insurance. It will provide a number of different coverage options with “apples to apples” comparisons. My Healthy Rhode Island task force, which met last summer, spent a lot of time working through the issues of an exchange and how it can be structured to benefit businesses and families. While those issues haven’t all been worked out, there is legislation before the General Assembly that would create the structure of an exchange. The small business tax credit is available to for-profit and not-for-profit employers with fewer than 25 employees. The Internal Revenue Service has a helpful page for the credit at http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/ article/0,,id=223666,00.html, and obtaining the credit can be done with the assistance of a tax preparer. The ACA paid special attention to persons and families that need to purchase insurance on their own, since they make up such a big percentage of the uninsured. First of all, that

group will be eligible to purchase insurance through the exchange. There is a good chance that this will mean there will be more than one choice for comprehensive coverage in Rhode Island. Being able to choose from a range of plans with different benefits and different rate structures represents a big change in purchasing health insurance. The biggest benefit for that group comes in the form of subsidies for families earning less than 400 percent of the federal poverty level, which was $88,200 in 2010. The subsidies are on a sliding scale, and the coverage levels are set in the law so the insurance will be comprehensive. A recent development has been the introduction of the pre-existing condition insurance plan. Previously, Rhode Islanders who purchased directly through Blue Cross Blue Shield were subject to “medical underwriting,” which means that the insurance company would look at one’s medical history and determine if that individual qualified for the standard rates or the preferred rates. The ACA has a provision that says if a person has been uninsured for more than six months, he or she can get coverage at the preferred rates regardless of one’s medical history.

The cost of health insurance represents the biggest barrier for individuals looking to purchase coverage on their own. The subsidies are the clearest path to help with affordability, but the ACA gives us a chance to make the real reforms to our health care system that will make it affordable, of high quality and sustainable. We will never get all Rhode Islanders covered if premiums increase 10 to 15 percent each year while wages don’t grow. When it comes to subsidized care, the ACA sets standards of coverage that can be purchased through the exchange. The ACA also limits out-of-pocket expenses to avoid the medical debts that are the No. 1 cause of personal bankruptcy in the United State. As the commission starts to get into the details of how health reform is going to be implemented, regular updates will be available at www.healthcare.ri.gov, which is under construction. Full participation by Rhode Islanders will help to make the process of health care reform the best it can be. Elizabeth H. Roberts is lieutenant governor and chair or the Rhode Island Healthcare Reform Commission.

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Common Ground

Page 15

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Email: joconnor@gciu.org Fax: 201.624.8145 Cell: 202.297.2945

ADVERTISE HERE

Joseph M. O’Connor

Vice President

GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS CONFERENCE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTERS 25 Louisiana Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001 A UNION REPRESENTING PROUD UNION PROFESSIONALS SINCE 1918

Local 310 Brotherhood of Utility Workers Council

LOCAL 400

affiliated with the Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO

International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers

Phil Fogarty

A progressive labor union representing more than 80,000 men and women in professional, technical, administrative and associated occupations.

President

1300 Jefferson Blvd. Warwick, RI 02886 E-mail: local310@buwc.necoxmail.com

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685 Warren Avenue East Providence, RI 02914

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PAUL R. ENOS Vice President INTERNATIONAL UNION OF

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POST OFFICE PLAZA 150 MIDWAY ROAD SUITE 153 CRANSTON, RI 02920-5743

Page 16

Common Ground

MARCH 2011

Administration budget proposal invests in medical research but under-funds cancer prevention By Susan Roberts WASHINGTON – The White House budget proposal builds on the president’s commitment to medical innovation, with increased investment in cancer research, but it under-funds proven prevention measures like cancer screening programs. The president’s budget proposal would boost cancer research funding by nearly $1 billion in fiscal year 2012, an investment that would capitalize on recent advances that have enabled researchers to develop targeted therapies for some of the most difficult cancers. Unfortunately, while the proposal prioritizes investment in research, it threatens the future of critical programs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that have expanded access to cancer screening and tobacco cessation programs. “The budget proposal takes important steps toward capitalizing on past investments in cancer research, but it gives short shrift to proven prevention programs that are saving lives,” said Dr. John R. Seffrin, chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). “Eliminating death and suffering from this disease altogether requires a comprehensive approach to prevent what we can and find screening tools and treatments for the cancers where we don’t have answers.” The National Breast and Cervical Cancer

Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) is one of the CDC programs that would face significant cuts under the budget proposal. In its 20-year history, the program has provided 9 million screening tests to more than 3.7 million low-income, underinsured and uninsured women. Already dramatically under -funded, the program is serving less than one in five eligible women under the age of 64 nationally. “We could prevent 60 percent of cancer deaths by applying what we already know,” said Christopher W. Hansen, president of ACS CAN. “When proven prevention programs are slashed, we undermine past investment in research and squander the opportunity to further our progress in the fight to defeat a disease that affects far too many Americans.” Last year, it’s estimated that more than 1.5 million people were told they had cancer, and 569,000 people died from the disease in America. ACS CAN is calling on Congress to reinstate critical funding for cancer prevention and tobacco cessation programs, and to build on the president’s proposal to fund cancer research in a way that consistently builds on past advances in an effort to maximize future progress. ACS CAN, the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer

Society, supports evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage elected officials and candidates to make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer with the training and tools they need to make their voices heard. For more information, visit www. acscan.org. Susan Roberts is director of government relations and advocacy for the American Cancer Society in Rhode Island.

ADVERTISE HERE CALL 451-1305

Providence’s Bravest Providence’s Bravest Providence’s Bravest Serving the City of Serving Providence sinceof1854 the City Providence since 1854

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PROVIDENCE FIRE FIGHTERS LOCAL 799 PROVIDENCE FIRE FIGHTERS LOCAL 799 INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS OF FIRE FIGHTERS INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION

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-OFFICERSDave Mellon …….……….………………..President Bob Miller ………….……………1st Vice President Bob Lantagne ..…………………..2nd Vice President

Paul A. Doughty,Paul President A. Doughty, President

Michael Hogan.……………………..…….Treasurer

Doughty, President Philip F. Paul Fiore,A.Vice President Philip F. Fiore, Vice President

John Meehan………………………………Secretary

F. Fiore, President Scott Philip G. Mello, Secretary ScottVice G. Mello, Secretary

Mike McKenna...……….……….Financial Secretary -EXECUTIVE BOARD

Ken Rivard

Manny Leander

Bill Bove

Alan Depalo

John Bray

Jeff Golding

Joe Lopes

David Pezza

Mark Vierra

Letizia Signore

Adam Klaus

Carlos Oviedo

Justin Pelissey

Keeping Your Community Safe

Scott G.John Mello, Secretary Treasurer John F. Woodard, Treasurer F. Woodard, John F. Woodard, Treasurer Executive Board Executive Representatives Board Representatives ExecutiveJ.Board Representatives Christopher Jannitto Christopher J. Jannitto Joseph P. Moreino P. Moreino ChristopherJoseph J. Jannitto Hans Ramsden Hans Ramsden Joseph P. Moreino Wayne C. Oliveira Wayne C. Oliveira Hans Ramsden Zachariah Kenyon Wayne C.Zachariah Oliveira Kenyon Anthony Toro Anthony Toro Zachariah Kenyon Anthony Toro

92 Printery Street 92 Printery Street Providence, RI 02904 Providence, 92 Printery Street RI 02904 401-272-7999 (O)401-272-7999 (O) Providence, RI 02904 401-274-7999 (F)401-274-7999 (F) 401-272-7999 (O) 401-274-7999 (F)

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MARCH 2011

Common Ground

Page 17

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Page 18

Common Ground

MARCH 2011

Thank You to our advertisers and supporters! If you have an article you would like to submit, e-mail it to john@commongroundnews.net. Since 1971 208 Laurel Hill Avenue, Providence, RI 02909 www.regineprinting.com p. 401.943.3404 ADVERTISE HERE call 451.1305

f. 401.944.1228

AFSCME Local 2881 Representing RIDEM and CRMC

www.local2881.org Compliments of

International Union of Operating Engineers

Rhode Island Carpenters Local Union 94

LOCAL UNION 57 Providence, Rhode Island

David F. Palmisciano President Thomas J. Savoie Vice President

James J. White Business Manager and President

Timothy E. Quillen Vice President and Bus. Agent

Gregory E. Olson Treasurer and Bus. Agent

William F. Holmes Financial Secretary W. Paul Lander trustee 14 Jefferson Park Road Warwick, RI 02888 401.467.7070

MARCH 2011

Common Ground

Page 19

DIRECTORY OF UNION SERVICES BARBERS & HAIRDRESSERS Some barbers and hairdressers are organized by UFCW Local 328. For a list of union barber shops and hairdressers, please contact Local 328 at (401) 861-0300 or www.ufcw328.org

BUILDING TRADES For home and business construction, repairs, or additions please contact one of the following unions for a reputable contractor in your area. For general questions or help please call Build RI at (401) 553-2100 or www.BuildRI.org Boilermakers Local No. 29 (617) 328-8400 Bricklayers Local No.1 (401) 946-9940 Carpenters Local No. 94 (401) 467-7070 Elevator Constructors Local No. 39 (401) 423-2293 Glaziers Local No. 1333 (401) 781-4736

DELIVERY SERVICES United Parcel Service The Teamsters Local 251 represent Rhode Island’s UPS workers. For the outlet nearest you, or to schedule a home pick up, please contact UPS at www.ups.com or 1-800-PICK-UPS. United States Postal Service Your local post office is represented by the National Association of Letter Carriers, the American Postal Workers Union and the National Postal Mail Handlers Union (a division of the Laborers Union.) www.usps.com

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Credit union employees are organized by UFCW Local 328. Rhode Island Credit Union www.ricreditunion.org Providence Branch 160 Francis Street Providence, RI 02903 (401) 751-7440 Cranston Branch 570 Pontiac Avenue Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 941-8770

Heat and Frost Insulators Local No. 6 (617) 436-4666

Bristol Branch 390 Metacom Avenue Bristol, RI 02809 (401) 253-1313

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local No. 99 (401) 946-9900

URI Branch URI Memorial Union Kingston, RI 02881 (401) 789-0253

International Union of Operating Engineers Local No. 57 (401) 421-6678

Dexter Credit Union www.dextercu.org 1 Village Plaza Way North Scituate, RI 02857 (401) 934-7600

Iron Workers Local Local No. 37 (401) 438-1111 Laborers Local No. 271 (401) 331-9682 Painters & Allied Trades District Council 11 (401) 467-7010 Plaster & Masons Local No. 40 (401) 943-1185 Plumbers & Pipefitters Local No. 51 (401) 943-3033 Rhode Island Building Trades (401) 438-1111 Roofers & Waterproofers Local No. 33 (781) 341-9192 Sheet Metal Workers Local No. 17 (401) 831-7150 Sprinkler Fitters Local No. 676 (860) 666-4447 Teamsters Local No. 251 (401) 434-0454

BUS SERVICES RIPTA Rhode Island Public Transit Authority 265 Melrose Street Providence, RI 02907 (401) 781-9400 www.ripta.com Peter Pan Bus Lines Corporate Headquarters P.O. Box 1776 Springfield, MA 01102-1776 1-800-237-8747 ext. 1209 www.peterpanbus.com

CHILD CARE PROVIDERS To arrange on-site child care coverage for your meetings or conferences, or to locate a DCYF-licensed home-based child care provider in your neighborhood or near your workplace, contact the union of home-based child care providers, District 1199 SEIU, at (401) 457-5099 or www. seiu1199ne.org

934 Dexter Street Central Falls, RI 02863 (401) 724-6200 Woodlawn Federal Credit Union 744 Main Street Pawtucket, RI 02860 (401) 728-8300 The Carpenters’ Union represents: First Trade Union Bank www.ftubhb.com 14 Jefferson Park Road Warwick, RI 02888 1-800-242-0272

FUNCTION FACILITIES Biltmore Hotel 11 Dorrance Street Providence, RI 02903 (401) 455-3027 Scott Connery, Director of Catering Brown University 45 Prospect St. Providence, RI 02912 (401) 863-1075 Cynthia Schwartz, Director of University Event Bryant University 1150 Douglas Pike Smithfield, RI 02917 (401) 232-6921 Sheila Guay, Director of Events Community College of Rhode Island Knight Campus, Warwick Flanagan Campus, Lincoln Liston Campus, Providence Newport Campus CCRI Downcity (401) 825-2015 Edna Mattson Dunkin Donuts Center 1 LaSalle Square Providence, RI 02903 (401) 331-0700 ext. 150 Robert Sturm, Event Manager Newport Grand 150 Admiral Kalbfus Road Newport, RI 02840 (401) 849-5000 ext. 157 David Rollin Providence College 549 River Avenue Providence, RI 02918 (401) 865-1000 ext. 2070 Victoria Mocshu

Rhode Island College 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue Providence, RI 02908 (401)456-8022 Kathy Sasso RI Convention Center 1 Sabin Street Providence, RI 02903 (401)-458-6002 Antonia Anthony, Director of Event Services Roger Williams Park Casino 1000 Elmwood Avenue Providence, RI 02905 (401) 785-9450 ext. 240 Lisa Gonzales, Casino Event Planner Roger Williams University 1 Old Ferry Road Bristol, RI 02809 (401) 253-1040 ext. 3793 Allison Chase-Padula Twin River 1600 Louisquisset Pike Lincoln, RI 02865 (401) 723-3200 ext. 8497 Alana Barts University of Rhode Island Kingston, Alton Jones Campus Providence Campus (401) 874-2214 Sherry Davis The Westin Providence 1 Exchange Street Providence, RI 02903 (401) 598-8245 Alan Swerdolff, Director of Sales and Marketing

HOSPITALS UNAP members work at the following locations: • Fatima Hospital • Greater RI Visiting Nurse Service • Homestead Group • Kent Hospital • Landmark Medical Center • Memorial Hospital • Rehabilitation Hospital of RI • Rhode Island Hospital • RI Community Living & Support Services • RI Dept of Human Services • RI Veterans’ Home • URI, CCRI, RIC Health Services • Westerly Hospital (Professional & Technical) • Westerly Hospital (Service & Maintenance) • Zambarano Hospital SEIU 1199 members work at the following locations: • Butler Hospital • Women & Infants Hospital

JANITORIAL SERVICES Some janitorial companies are organized by SEIU Local 615. For a list of unionized janitorial services, contact the Local 615 office at (401) 521-6150 or visit their website at www.seiu615.org.

NEWSPAPERS Common Ground News www.commongroundnews.net Subscribe 401.451.1305 Providence Journal www.projo.com Subscribe (401) 277-7600 Pawtucket Times www.pawtuckettimes.com Subscribe (401) 722-4000 Woonsocket Call www.woonsocketcall.com Subscribe (401) 767-8522

NURSING HOMES SEIU 1199 members work at the following locations: • Bannister House • Charlesgate Nursing Center • Country Gardens Skilled Nursing • Crawford Skilled Nursing • Greenville Skilled Nursing • Hopkins Manor • Pawtucket Skilled Nursing • Parkview Associates • United Methodist Health Care Center

PRINTERS, BANNERS & SIGNS B Sign Graphics 27 Libera Street Cranston, RI 02920 Phone: (401) 943-6941 Fax: (401) 943-2287 Checkmate Consulting Group & Printing 461 Main Street East Greenwich, RI 02818 Phone: (401) 885-0666 Fax: (401) 885-0775 Cogens, Inc. 1 Virginia Avenue Providence, RI 02905 Phone: (401) 421-4436 Fax: (401) 331-9032 Crownmark 109 Fletcher Avenue Cranston, RI 02920 Phone: (401) 943-1112 Fax: (401) 943-1113 Dorrance Engraving 635 Prospect Street Pawtucket, RI 02860 Phone: (401) 725-0504 Fax: (401) 725-0504 East Coast Screen Printing 22 Partridge Street Providence, RI 02908 Phone: (401) 272-1166 Fax: (401) 272-1167 Federal Signs 135 Dean Street Providence, RI 02903 Phone: (401) 421-3400 Fax: (401) 351-2233 Financial Innovations 1 Weingeroff Blvd. Cranston, RI 02919 Phone: (401) 467-3170 Fax: (401) 467-3570 JB Foley Printing 1469 Broad Street Providence, RI 02905 Phone: (401) 467-3616 Fax: (401) 467-8309 Lamar Outdoor Advertising 360 Warren Avenue E. Providence, RI 02914 Phone: (401) 421-4504, Fax: (401) 421-4757 Mandeville Sign Co. 676 George Wash. Hwy. Lincoln, RI 02865 Phone: (401) 334-9100 Fax: (401) 334-7799 Regine Printing Co., Inc. 208 Laurel Hill Avenue Providence, RI 02909 Phone: (401) 943-3404 Fax (401) 944-1228 R.I. Litho Printing, Inc. 1395 Atwood Avenue Johnston, RI 02919 Phone: (401) 275-0760 Fax: (401) 464-6002 Screen Works, LLC 62 South Main Street Woonsocket, RI 02895 Phone: (401) 692-0304 Sheahan Printing Corp. 1 Front Street Woonsocket, RI 02895 Phone: (401) 273-7272 Fax: (401) 769-9206

PUBLIC SCHOOLS All public school employees are organized by the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals or the National Education Association of Rhode Island. The following Charter Schools are also unionized: • Laborers Charter School • Textron Charter School • Times 2 Charter School

RECYCLING AND TRASH REMOVAL SERVICES Waste Management of Rhode Island (800) 972-4545

SUPERMARKETS Supermarket employees at the stores listed below are members of UFCW Local 328 or UFCW Local 791. Super Stop and Shop • Bristol • Coventry • Cumberland • Johnston • Lincoln • Middletown • Narragansett • Newport • North Kingstown • North Providence • North Smithfield • Pawtucket • Providence • Richmond • Smithfield • Warwick • Westerly Shaw’s Supermarket • Barrington • Garden City • Cranston • East Providence • Riverside • Johnston • Middletown • North Providence • Pawtucket • Providence • Wakefield • Warwick • Lakewood • Westerly • Woonsocket Eastside Marketplace • Providence Brigidos IGA • Pascoag • North Scituate

Don’t Miss Grand Union Family Markets • South Yarmouth • Provincetown • Buzzards Bay • South Yarmouth C-Town Supermarket • Pawtucket

Don’t Miss TELEPHONE, INTERNET & CABLE SERVICES

An informative, one-hour AT&T Wireless

weekly show highlighting 1 (800) 897-7046

Sign Lite, Inc. 6 Corporate Drive N. Haven, CT 06473 Phone: 1-800-544-0854 Fax: (203) 234-8344

issues and events affecting Union members recieve special

The Sign Shoppe P.O. Box 2296 Westerly, RI 02891 Phone: (401) 364-7442

An informative, TUESDAY 7one-hour P.M.

Tarvis Graphics Inc. 21 Sabin Street Pawtucket, RI 02860 Phone: (401) 726-5530 Fax: (401) 723-6420 Cool Air Creations, Inc. 10 Business Park Drive Smithfield, RI 02917 888.288.TEES (401) 769.7755 www.morethantees.com

PUBLIC RELATIONS Checkmate Consulting Group & Printing 461 Main Street East Greenwich, RI 02818 Phone: (401) 885-0666 Fax: (401) 885-0775 The Sentinel Group, LLC 111 Wayland Avenue Providence, RI 02906 Phone: (401) 451-1305 Fax: (401) 831.6111 John J. Tassoni, Jr.

www.wireless.att.com

discounts on AT&T wireless working families. service plans. For more infomation to to www.unionplus.org Verizon

weekly show Verizon, whosehighlighting employees THURSDAY 8 P.M.are members of the International

issues and events SATURDAY 5affecting P.M. Brotherhood of Electrical

Workers Local 2323, can working provide for all families. of your home and office internet, telephone 14 and COX cable CHANNEL TV needs through Verizon’s new FiOS (Fiber Optic TUESDAY P.M. VERIZON FIOS 7 CHANNEL 33 Service) network.

THURSDAY 8 P.M.

Simply call 1-888-Get FiOS or SATURDAY 1-888-591-6076. 5 P.M. Or contact IBEW 2323 at (401) 732-IBEW (4239).

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BUY Union Products. USE Union Services. Use your hard earned money to support hard working union members!

Page 20

Common Ground

MARCH 2011

Common Ground

Radio Show

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Advertised Introductory *Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of 1.75% is the lowest available and is fixed for the first 12 months. Offer applicable for applicants with a credit score of 680 or higher. After initial 12 monthly billing cycles, rate automatically reverts to a variable rate of interest as low as Prime minus 0.50% as published in The Wall Street Journal 30 days before the date of any rate adjustment. As of 9/1/2010 Prime Rate was 3.25%. Interest rate and line amount determined by individual creditworthiness and subject to loan-to-value ratio of 80%. Offer limited to 1-4 family owner-occupied primary residence properties only. Property insurance (and flood insurance if applicable) required. Offer and rate is subject to change at any time without notice. Other terms and restrictions may apply. APR will not exceed 21% with a minimum rate of 2.75%. If home equity line is paid in full and closed within twelve (12) months from the opening date, a prepayment penalty may apply. RI: up to but not to exceed 2% of the balance due at time of payoff; MA: remaining balance of first year’s interest or amount equal to last 3 months’ interest, whichever is less. Existing NCU home equity lines/loans are not eligible for refinance with this promotion. Other rates and terms available. Inquire for full details.

PUBLIC EMPLOYEES’ LOCAL UNION 1033

Representing the Public Servants who make government work!

Partnering with Rhode Island’s Municipalities to Provide the Most Effective and Cost-efficient Public Employee Benefits

The Rhode Island Public Employees’ Health Services Fund

The Rhode Island Public Employees’ Legal Services Fund

PUBLIC EMPLOYEES = PUBLIC SERVICE Cranston Crossing Guards

Lincoln Highway Department Providence School Department Narragansett Bay Commission City of Providence North Providence Crossing Guards Providence Civic Center Authority Warwick Crossing Guards Lincoln Town Hall

Town of North Kingstown Providence Community Action Program Lincoln Public Library Town of North Providence Narragansett Town Hall Lincoln Water Commission R.I. Department of Transportation North Providence School Department

DONALD S. IANNAZZI, ESQ. Business Manager

VICKI A. VIRGILIO President

The Rhode Island Public Employees’ Education, Training and Apprenticeship Fund

Donald S. Iannazzi, Esq., Chairman Vicki A. Virgilio Trustee

Pasquale T. D’Amico Trustee

Sharen Gleckman Trustee

Joseph F. Kenney Trustee

Betty Jackson Liaison

Chris Lombardi Coordinator

Rhode Island’s Union Built, Operated and Staffed Facilities Roger Williams Park Casino accommodating 50 - 300 (401) 941-5640 (401) 785-9450

city center skating rink accommodating groups from 10 - 400 (401) 331-5544 ext. 5