FEBRUARY 2013
Constitutionality of pension law in question
By Common Ground staff
Reading the op-ed pages of a certain local newspaper, one might gain the impression that the constitutionality of the contested pension reform law is all but assured– that a state legislature has the freedom to undo what it is done, even when it comes to retirement benefits for state Michael Yelnosky employees. But the constitutionality of the law is far from certain, says a professor at the Roger Williams University School of Law. “My biggest point is that nobody seems to be taking these arguments seriously. These blanket assertions of legislative authority gloss over … some serious and real issues,” said Michael Yelnosky, the Distinguished Service Professor of Law at Roger Williams, in an exclusive interview with Common Ground. At issue is whether state retirement benefits are a
contract, and therefore subject to constitutional limits on how much change, if any, can be made to the original benefits that were promised to tens of thousands of past and present retirees–or whether the benefits approved by the legislature are just like another legislative act that can be undone as quickly as it was passed. A real test of legislative authority That question gains added weight given the approach the General Assembly took–stopping not only at modifications to benefits for existing workers, but going the extra step of reducing benefits for those who are already retired. That took Ocean State lawmakers into what is still relatively uncharted legal waters, according to Yelnosky. “This is a real test of the legislature’s authority,” Yelnosky said. “Adjusting pensions for people who are still in the system is one thing,” he added. “Taking money out of people’s pockets that was promised to them after they’ve already held up their end of the bargain may
legally be another thing.” As a result, he says there was a “real element of risk” in deciding to go as far as the General Assembly did. In fact, a Superior Court judge has already ruled that current workers and retirees have a contractual right to their pensions. The decision affects a previous lawsuit unions brought against pension changes that were passed in 2009 and 2010–changes that were far less sweeping than those in the most recent pension reform law. The legal reasoning behind that ruling is being bolstered by other courts around the country. Last November, a Colorado state court ruled that cost of living adjustments (COLAs), could be considered part of a state’s contract with its employees, according to Yelnosky. Even last month’s Florida Supreme Court ruling lends some weight to the pro-contract position. Although the court ruled that benefits can be altered for employees, Yelnosky notes that it was a narrow split decision, with three dissenters against the ruling majority See Pension cont. on page 3
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FEBRUARY 2013
Affordable health coverage: Countdown to 2014
By Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts Another year has passed, and many of us lament how quickly the year seemed to fly by. That’s why it’s a good idea to get informed now about what lies ahead when key parts of the federal health care law take effect in our state–and around the country–in 2014. Most importantly, there will be a new way for individuals, families, and small businesses to get health insurance from an online marketplace, or what’s being called a “Health Benefits Exchange.” While our state is ahead of much of the country in building its marketplace, there are steps that Rhode Islanders should take in the important countdown, first to October 1, 2013, and then to January 1, 2014. October 1 is the date when open enrollment begins, and Rhode Islanders will be able to browse options, compare and purchase health insurance–and receive financial assistance to make coverage more affordable–if they are eligible. On to January 1, health insurance coverage becomes effective for those enrolled and begins a new chapter in our state of expanded access to coverage for Rhode Islanders. Those who could not previously afford coverage, who lost their insurance due to unemployment, or who had been priced out of the marketplace because of a pre-existing condition will now have access under the Affordable Care Act.
coverage. These options have already expanded under the Affordable Care Act, and will continue to grow in 2014 and beyond. In the online marketplace, you’ll be able to choose a plan that offers the right balance of costs and coverage. 2. Make a list of questions you have before it’s time to choose your health plan. For example, “Can I stay with my current doctor?” If you don’t have a primary doctor, now is the time to shop around by getting a referral from a family member or friend. 3. Inform yourself of how insurance works, including deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, copayments, etc. You’ll want to consider these details when comparing plans. Visit Insurance Basics to learn more about how insurance works: www. healthcare.gov/using-insurance. 4. Start gathering basic information about your household income. Many people will qualify to get a break on costs, and you’ll need income information to find out how much you’re eligible for.
There are 7 things you can do to get ready now.
5. Set your budget. There will be different types of health plans to meet a variety of needs and budgets, and breaking them down by cost can help narrow your choices.
1. Learn about the options available to you. There are different types of insurance for job-based, public, and private
6. Find out from your employer whether they plan to offer health insurance, especially if you work for a small business.
Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts 7. Explore current options. You may be able to get help with insurance now, through existing programs or changes that are in effect already from the new health care law. Use these resources to get information about health insurance for adults up to age 26, children in families with limited incomes (CHIP), and Medicare for people who are over 65 or have disabilities: www.healthcare. gov/law/information-for-you 8. If you’re a small business, the online marketplace is designed to help you find health insurance that fits your small business and is right for your employees. Find a checklist for small businesses here: www. healthcare.gov/marketplace. See www.healthcare.gov for more in-depth answers to the points above. You can learn more about the RI Health Benefits Exchange on the Governor’s Web site here: www.governor.ri.gov/healthcare.
Common Ground Pensions cont. from page 1 of four justices. “It wouldn’t take a crazy judge to say these [benefits] have some contractual status,” he said.
more of a legal problem than raising the number of years of service needed for retirement or moving to a defined contribution plan for current workers.
Severity of reductions has legal consequences A second key question revolves around the severity of the reduction contained in the pension law–something the court will have to consider, if it determines that the benefits were contractual. Yelnosky himself roughly estimates that the reduction amounts to a total 25 percent loss in retirement compensation. He questions the principle of fairness advocated by General Treasurer Gina Raimondo, who justified some of the cuts on an alleged need to make sure the fiscal pain was shared by all. The problem is her approach may not be a “perfectly legal way” of thinking about fairness, according to Yelnosky. Suspending COLAs, he said, may pose
Was it all necessary? For opponents of the pension reform law, there is one last legal hurdle they must clear in order to win their case in court. First, they have to prove that the retirement benefits were contractual. Next, they must secure a ruling from the court that the benefit reductions were indeed severe. After that, they need to show that the state had no legitimate basis–as outlined in case law–for taking such dramatic action. The state, for its part, must show that the cuts were justified, according to Yelnosky. At that point, the state wouldn’t have terribly too much room to maneuver, given the constitutional restrictions on changes to contracts. “The Contract
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Clause does have some bite,” Yelnosky said, referring specifically to provisions in the U.S. Constitution. The state must then demonstrate that the reductions were reasonable and necessary to carry out a public purpose. Specifically, it must argue that a more moderate reduction wouldn’t have served that same purpose, according to Yelnosky. The U.S. Supreme Court set the bar pretty high on this issue in a 1978 case. In that instance, the states of New York and New Jersey were attempting to revoke statutory protections to bondholders because they wanted to direct money to alternative forms of transportation. The high court ended up ruling against the states, noting that states could be motivated to cut contractual benefits so they would have extra money to spend without raising taxes. (The case in question is: United States Trust Company of New York v. New Jersey.” (The above three legal tests–were the
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benefits contractual? was the reduction substantial? and, was it necessary to carry out public purpose?–are spelled out in various case law. A local example is: Retired Adjust Professors of the State of Rhode Island v. Lincoln C. Almond.” The case for negotiation In his interview, Yelnosky was careful to say he did not have a definitive opinion on whether the pension reform law is, in fact, unconstitutional. His main point is that it could be–and therein lies the rub: is it worth it for the state to press its case in court, knowing the risks, or would it be better to negotiate, as a Superior Court judge has already ordered the state to do? “If there’s no exposure–if the state runs zero risk in litigating this, by all means litigate,” Yelnosky said.
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Common Ground
FEBRUARY 2013
Chafee budget plan makes key investments By Common Ground staff
Governor Chafee’s proposed $8.2 billion state budget for next year includes key investments in education, transportation infrastructure, and workforce development without raising taxes and fees or making any cuts in local aid. “We have avoided tax increases and are lowering the corporate rate through both good fiscal management and a strengthening economy,” Chafee said in his budget address before the General Assembly last month. “As we move forward, it is important to keep investing in the building blocks of this progress–that is, investing in education, infrastructure, and workforce development.” Union leaders respond to budget Chafee’s budget plan–submitted earlier than any other Governor’s in recent memory–has largely received positive reviews from state labor leaders. “It’s a good starting point,” said Bob Walsh, executive director of the Rhode Island NEA. He said the union is in agreement with the Governor on his three key priorities: education, infrastructure, and workforce development. “There are issues we will continue to work on,” he added, pointing to funding for the developmentally disabled. “I think it’s fair,” said Joe Bairos, the secretary and treasurer for Teamsters Local 251. “I don’t think it’s a bad proposal at all considering what we’ve faced over the last couple of years. I think he’s doing a pretty good job.” The budget in a nutshell Chafee’s budget plan included the following key pieces: • Funding the education formula: Chafee promised to continue to fully fund the local education aid formula the state adopted in 2010.
For this year, that comes out to $30.3 million in added state aid to schools. In addition, his budget contains more than $14 million for repairs to the state vocational schools. • Higher education: The Governor called for no tuition increases in fall 2013 at CCRI, Rhode Island College, and the University of Rhode Island. To help in that effort, he pledged a $6 million increase in state spending on higher education. But that added funding came on a condition and with a challenge: “However, the leadership of these institutions must meet me halfway,” Chafee said. “If they can achieve $6 million in total savings and efficiencies, coupled with my $6 million in additional funding, we can guarantee the students of these schools no tuition increase next year.” In all, his budget makes a $115 million investment in education over three years, from kindergarten to college, Chafee said. • Transportation Infrastructure: Chafee touted the state’s transition towards pay-as-you-go funding for transportation maintenance, repairs, and upgrades–a change that he says is more financially sustainable and ensures taxpayer funds go directly to road work, rather than paying off old debts. In his budget, Chafee promised to “advance” over $11 million in funding for shovel-ready transportation projects. • Workforce development: Under Chafee’s plan the state would bump up its support for workforce development initiatives by $3 million. While the state is certainly still battling a high unemployment rate, Chafee took a forward-looking approach to the issue, saying workforce devel-
opment programs are needed to help Rhode Islanders prepare for the economy of the future. • No new taxes: In a departure from his past budgets, Chafee abandoned any efforts to hike taxes, declaring that his budget “contains no increase in taxes, fees, or charges of any kind.” Not only are there no new taxes, but Chafee also proposed a reduction of the state corporate tax, from 9 percent to 7 percent. The reduction would be phased in over a three-year period and bring Rhode Island below its neighbors, according to Chafee–a move that taxpayer and business advocates have said will help the state become more economically competitive. • Property tax relief: This budget boosts local aid to the tune of $30 million, which Chafee said was on top of the $41 million in local aid in his two previous budgets. The Governor said the added funding is meant for property tax relief. The money breaks down into $20 million for statewide municipal aid, particularly targeted towards fiscally stressed cities and towns, and $10 million in RICAP funds for local streets and “streetscapes.” No quick fixes to economic development Chafee’s budget would advance two key areas of economic development, the so-called Knowledge District in downtown Providence and the state tourism industry. In Providence, he wants to allocate $500,000 more towards the Interstate 195 Redevelopment Commission. “You have heard me talk before about the importance of the medical, research, and education fields– the ‘meds and eds,’” Chafee said. “We must continue See Budget cont. on page 5
Common Ground
FEBRUARY 2013
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Budget cont. from page 4 to focus on these assets to grow our economy and create jobs.” The Governor also is eyeing assistance to the state tourism and hospitality industry, with an added $600,000 in his budget for the state’s tourism marketing operations. Chafee also warned against quick fixes for the economy, in an oblique reference to the 38 Studios disaster: “My hope is that you all will be skeptical and wary of deviating from the steady, methodical construction of a Rhode Island economy built for today and for the future. We tried the ‘get rich quick’ approach by giving $75 million to a retired baseball player with zero business experience. We cannot make such panic-driven decisions again.”
An optimistic outlook Repeatedly throughout his address, Chafee struck an optimistic tone as he reflected on his time in his office so far and the outlook for the state’s future. He noted that when he took office, a number of cities and towns, led by Central Falls, were teetering towards financial collapse, the state deficit stood at nearly $300 million, and the unemployment rate had hit 11.4 percent. Two years later, he said Central Falls has become a national model for how to recover from bankruptcy and the state has actually seen surpluses. As for the unemployment, progress there has been grudgingly slower–but it has been progress nonetheless, according to Chafee. “It takes time for the sun to break through, but it is. Two years later,
unemployment is heading in the right direction–still unacceptably high, but improving,” he said. He also took aim at the seemingly never-ending stream of national studies showing Rhode Island ranking at the bottom in various business and economic categories. “I am generally skeptical of the myriad rankings and reports that place Rhode Island at the bottom of the barrel in terms of business climate. Many of them fail to take into account important factors, and many compare apples to oranges,” Chafee said. He cited a Department of Revenue report that he said put Rhode Island 26th in the nation in terms of its state tax burden on businesses. “We’re in the middle nationally with our sales and income taxes,” Chafee said. (But, by the
same token, he said the state is 41st in terms of its local property tax burden on businesses, which is why he increased local aid in his budget.) Chafee also expressed hope that the May revenue numbers would allow the General Assembly to “undo” some of the difficult decisions it has made on past cuts: “Each budget brings with it difficult decisions,” Chafee said. “That has been the case once again this year, as we worked to close the deficit. But it is my hope, as in years past, that if the May numbers upon which you, the General Assembly, will base your budget, come in stronger than the numbers on which I base mine, you will be able to undo some of these tough choices.”
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Common Ground
FEBRUARY 2013
2013 will be better, says Building Trades leader By Common Ground staff
This year promises to be better than the last one for the construction and SCOTT DUHAMEL ONI building trades, a state laSecretary-Treasurer bor leader says. LD PAUL ENOS Michael Sabitoni, presiSergeant-At-Arms dent of the Rhode Island Building and Construction Trades Council, says the outlook is optimistic for the next three to five years. “Every year will be better than the prior as we start to pull ourselves out of this thing,” Sabitoni said. That optimism has Pipefitters something to do with the fact Allied Craftworkers Plumbers, & Refrigeration al Union 1 51 that voters approved all Local bondUnion referenda last November, including half a dozen questions that will directly af& General Laborers’ Sprinkler Fitters & Apprentices nion 271 Local Union fect the construction industry. In 676 all, $208.1 million in direct project costs–not counting interest and related makers Elevator Constructors Union 29 Local Union 39 costs–passed as voters endorsed plans for higher education construction, a new veterans home, and affordable Cement Masons’ Bridge, Structural, Ornamental & Union 40 Reinforcing Iron Workers housing. Local Union 37 It’s not clear how much thatTrades work will materialize Metal Workers Painters andof Allied al Union 17 by the end of 2013. Local Union 195 Waterproofers “I know the intentionGlaziers is to roll them out, quickly,” l Union 33 Local Union 1333 Sabitoni said.
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But, even without the bond referenda, 2013 is already off to a good start, with several projects expected to break ground this spring. They include the following: • Airport: A $25 million treatment plant for the chemicals used to de-ice planes will break ground this spring. The project is but one part of the broader expansion and upgrade at T.F. Green that has been approved by the FAA. • Narragansett Bay sewer: At $342 million, the construction of a three-mile underground tunnel to siphon sewage away from Narragansett Bay continues to pay dividends for the construction industry, a decade after it got underway. The latest phase will pump another $40 million of spending into the construction industry early this year. • University of Rhode Island: A new chemistry lab at URI is among the bigger items on this spring’s docket, at least in terms of dollars. The project is expected to net $60 million to $70 million in construction costs. • State landfill: Ground will break this spring on a
new treatment facility at the state landfill in Johnston. Estimated cost: $25 million to $30 million. • Providence bond: In the City of Providence, voters approved a $40 million bond for road repairs and maintenance. That work will begin late spring and last well into the summer. • Providence College: Construction on a new humanities center that is already underway will press forward this spring. The total cost: an estimated $45 million. • Johnson and Wales: A new garage already under construction will swing into full gear this spring, according to Sabitoni. Project cost: $25 million. In all, that amounts to $562 million in construction spending–all kicking off or kicking into high gear this spring. Unemployment among the construction and building trades remains at a stratospheric 40 percent. But, with all the new construction coming on line, Sabitoni expects the rate will drop by the end of the year–possibly by half.
Common Ground
FEBRUARY 2013
The fiscal cliff deal 101
Page 7
By John A. Pernorio
Review of where we are The U.S. House voted on January 1 on the Senate bill to avert the fiscal cliff. The House passed the bill by a vote of 257 to 167 (172 Democrats and 85 Republicans). This legislation represents the first time in 20 years that there has been a tax increase, which many progressives and Democrats are hailing as a victory. Despite this resolution on the fiscal cliff, we can expect the war on spending and revenue to rage on and we can expect Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security to be right in the middle of it as lawmakers debate what to do about sequestration before the end of February, how to manage the expiration of the debt ceiling and then, of course, the expiration of the continuing resolution on the federal budget in late March. President Obama has made several comments in the Beltway press lately about the need to return to Medicare reform.
Where we go from here This is a short-term fix and we should plan from a field perspective for this debate to continue into 2013
because we’ll have the sequester (two-month delay) and the debt ceiling coming in February; the continuing resolution, which funds government, expiring in late March, and then we’ll have the President’s FY 2014 budget debate. All of these components along the timeline allow for opportunities to insert Medicare, ACA, Medicaid, and Social Security policy changes.
rising from 15 percent to 20 percent. Payroll tax: The 2–percent cut to the Social Security tax for all earners will expire and not be replaced. That actually means an increase in taxes for many middle-class families even though they will not see a rise in income taxes. This is going to be a sticking point that will make many folks view this “deal” unfavorably. Under this deal, taxes go up on a percentage basis more for middle-class people with incomes under $250k than for those with incomes between $250k and $450k because of the combination of concessions on top rates and the expiration of the payroll tax holiday.
Understanding key pieces of the Fiscal Cliff deal Income taxes: Increases taxes from 35 percent to 39.6 percent for people making more than $400,000 a year and families making more than $450,000. This is good insofar as it is an increase for upper-income earners, though it doesn’t raise as much revenue as raising taxes on folks making $250,000 or more which we have all been advocatAMT (Alternative Minimum Tax): In the deal ing for over the past few months. The more limited there’s a permanent fix that stops more middle-class revenue will continue to create pressure for entitleAmericans from paying the increased AMT. Each ment “reform”—basically, spending cuts to Mediyear, more and more taxpayers get hit with this Serving thealmost City of flat Providence sinceis1854 care, Medicaid, and Social Security in the coming tax which not indexed for inflation. months. In addition, households making $450K In 2013, 30 million taxpayers would have been afor more would also pay higher rates on investment this fix. PROVIDENCEfected FIREwithout FIGHTERS LOCAL 799 See Fiscal Cliff cont. on page 8 profits, with rates on dividends and capital gains INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS
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Common Ground
FEBRUARY 2013
Fiscal Cliff cont. from page 7 Tax Credits for Low-Income Families & Businesses: The deal would extend tax credits for college tuition and the working poor, which were enacted as part of Obama’s 2009 economic stimulus package and benefit 25 million low-income families for the next five years. It also extends a variety of popular tax breaks for businesses including high-tech companies that receive credits for research. Unemployment Insurance Extension: Emergency benefits for the long-term unemployed will be extended for another year.
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Doc Fix: The deal stops a 27-percent cut in Medicare reimbursements to doctors which is set to take effect in January; some of the cost of the fix is offset by spending cuts in other health care programs. Hospitals are not super happy about this one. The provision guarantees seniors have continued access to their doctors by fixing the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) through the end of 2013. Medicare physician payment rates were scheduled to be reduced by 26.5 percent on Dec. 31, 2012. This provision would avoid that reduction and extend current Medicare payment rates through Dec. 31, 2013. CLASS ACT (remember that?): The deal formally repeals the longterm insurance plan for seniors which was in the Affordable Care Act but has not been implemented because of funding. Sequestration: The deal would delay sequestration cuts for two months to give lawmakers more time to figure out a more comprehensive plan to avert the across-the-board spending cuts. The end of those two months will coincide with the debate on the debt ceiling, which is right around the corner and will likely revive much of this debate on spending cuts and revenue.
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What’s next The Fiscal Cliff bill was just the first battle in the war. The 99 percent may have won this battle; however, it was a small victory in the scope of the big picture. We cannot and will not stand for cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. By late February or early March, the Treasury Department will run out of options to cover the nation’s debts and could begin defaulting on government loans unless Congress raises the legal borrowing limit, or debt ceiling. Economists warn that a default could trigger a global recession. Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid will surely be part of the discussion. We also must reject the chained-CPI. A worker retiring in 2011 at age 65 would lose over $6,000 over 15 years. Not only is this a terribly harmful policy choice, but it has no place in the budget talks. Social Security has not added one penny to our budget deficit. We cannot ask workers and retirees to pay the price for a problem they did not create. The ARA along with the RI ARA will, as in the past, continue to fight for our members. We can’t fight this fight alone. It will take everyone’s involvement to get the message out and continue to tell our Congressional Delegation that we can’t afford—as senior citizens, retirees, and workers—cuts to these programs. John A. Pernorio is the President of the Rhode Island Alliance for Retired Americans, Inc. www.ri-ara.org
Common Ground
FEBRUARY 2013
Page 9
Key to economic development and job growth: Improved public transit By James Celenza
Aside from the broad benefits of public transit—reducing climate–changing emissions, improving air quality, and providing transport to and from work or school, public transit is increasingly recognized as vital to economic development and job growth. In the United States each year, approximately 36,000 jobs are created per billion dollars of public transportation spending (i.e., 36 jobs per million dollars of spending). This figure includes the direct effect of spending in transportation-related manufacturing, construction and operations as well as orders to suppliers or by re-spending of worker income on consumer purchases. A stable and secure source of funding for the RIDOT without burdening Rhode Island taxpayers with huge
debt-service obligations was passed two years ago. Brian Daniels, from the state Office of Management and Budget (OMB) describes its impact, thusly: The shift from borrowing to dedicated funding sources will lead to substantial savings in debt service costs. The Rhode Island Highway Maintenance Trust Fund will completely replace debt financing, reduce RIDOT’s debt service and alleviate the systemic deficits created by rising debt payments and declining gas tax yields. By shifting the 20% state match from bonds to more sustainable sources, the state will be able to dedicate more gas tax revenues to RIDOT operations and maintenance instead of spending it on debt service.
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But transportation is more than just roads and bridges. This year we need to continue down the road to sustainable transportation funding and provide stable funding for public transit as gas tax yields systematically decline. This year members of the Coalition for Transportation Choices [CTC] will continue to work to improve our economic climate by supporting H 5073, the “Transportation Investment and Debt Reduction Act of 2013,” sponsored by Representatives O’Grady, Tanzi, Handy, Tomasso, and Keable. This bill takes the biennial automobile registration fees out of the general fund and transfers them into the transportation trust fund. Out of that fund, 65 percent would be directed towards to the Department of Transportation to
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be used for highway maintenance, commuter rail operations, and for upkeep, maintenance, and repair of local roads and streets. And 35 percent would go to RIPTA for maintaining, enhancing, and/or expanding existing services. When an identical bill was heard last year in the House Finance Committee, dozens of groups spoke in favor of it– from the Chamber of Commerce to the RIAFL-CIO, from the Sierra Club to the Amalgamated Transit Union, from AARP to Grow Smart RI. (For updates and to see how you too can support the legislation, see www.rictc.org.) James Celenza is the Executive Director of the Rhode Island Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (RICOSH).
Paul Alvarez Business Agent
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Common Ground
FEBRUARY 2013
Working families rally for paid sick leave at Boston Dunkin’ Donuts By Kenneth Quinnell, AFL-CIO Activists last month rallied in front of the Beacon Street Dunkin’ Donuts in Boston to build support for a bill in the state legislature that would require employers to give earned sick leave hours to their employees. The bill is sponsored by state Sen. Dan Wolf and state Rep. Kay Khan and would ensure that workers get one hour of sick time for each 30 hours they work, up to a maximum of at least 40 hours a year, depending on the size of the company (smaller companies have some exemptions). The Massachusetts Paid Leave Coalition organized the rally. Dunkin’ Donuts was chosen for the rally because the company makes $500 million in annual profits but does not provide paid sick
leave for its workers. At a time when the state has declared a public health emergency because of a flu epidemic, many workers are faced with losing pay or jobs because they get sick or they risk endangering co-workers and customers by going to work. The coalition is made up of more than 80 community organizations. Many businesses have expressed their support for the legislation as well, signing the coalition’s letter: No one should have to choose between their heath and a day’s pay, or even their job. That’s why, as a business owner, I believe earned sick time is the right thing for my company, my employees, and our
community. Everyone needs access to a healthy workplace. The stories of the estimated one million Massachusetts workers without paid sick leave are often devastating, reports the coalition: Manuel Acevedo lost his job as a driver in a program that helps the disabled and elderly get around the greater Boston area. Manuel lost tional days. Manuel misses his job, his job because he did not have “I loved my job because I helped enough sick days. Manuel suffers people move who couldn’t otherfrom heart problems and was inwise move.” After losing his job, structed by his doctor not to drive Manuel could not pay his rent and when he has heart palpitations. was evicted. He was forced to sell After each non-paid sick day he his car and furniture and to move was issued a written warning and to a smaller apartment. cough suspended from work for addi-
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Common Ground
FEBRUARY 2013
Page 11
New to RI – the Occupation and Environmental Health Center Submitted by OEHCRI
IN PROVIDENCE:
111 Wayland Avenue Providence, Rhode Island 02902 401•331•1300
IN WASHINGTON:
601 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W. Suite 900, South Building Washington, DC 20004 202•220•3013 ADV O C A C Y H r epresen tati on H resul t s
The Occupational and Environmental Health Center of Rhode Island (OEHCRI) was recently established to provide clinical evaluations for individuals or groups with medical conditions suspected to be of occupational and environmental origin. The purpose of the Center is to respond to union and employer health requirements and initiatives to create an occupational health collaboration that meets the unique needs of workers and union members, union stakeholders, health-care providers, and insurers by improving worker health, reducing the level of illness and injury, and decreasing the burden of disability. OECHRI serves all employees without regard to sex, race, creed, residence, national origin, sexual orientation, or ability to pay. Some of the services that OEHCRI provides are Medical Examinations, Audiometric Examinations and Hepatitis C Screen-
ings, and CPR and First Aid Classes. The Medical Director is Lee Okurowski, MD, MPH, MBA Medical Director. He is also Board Certified in Occupational Medicine. Dr. Okurowski graduated from Dartmouth Medical School and went on to earn a Master of Public Health, Health Policy and Management/Occupational Medicine from Harvard School of Business Administration. Dr. Okurowski currently provides service for a variety of companies. He serves as a research consultant for various companies and also serves as the Medical and Clinical Director of Landmark Occupational Health in Rhode Island. The Occupational and Environmental Health Center of Rhode Island is located at 410 South Main Street in Providence. For more information or questions, call 401621- 2228.
Page 12
State Housereport
Common Ground
FEBRUARY 2013
Common Ground News & Radio
RI Senate Member List for 2013 District City or Town 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38.
Member Name Party
Providence...........................................................................................Maryellen Goodwin (Dem) Providence.............................................................................................. Juan M. Pichardo (Dem) Providence..................................................................................................Gayle L. Goldin (Dem) Providence, North Providence............................................................Dominick J. Ruggerio (Dem) Providence.................................................................................................... Paul V. Jabour (Dem) Providence................................................................................................Harold M. Metts (Dem) Providence, North Providence...............................................................Frank A. Ciccone III (Dem) Pawtucket................................................................................................ James E. Doyle II (Dem) West Warwick...........................................................................................Adam J. Satchell (Dem) Bristol, Tiverton, Warren.......................................................................... Walter S. Felag Jr. (Dem) Bristol, Portsmouth......................................................................Christopher Scott Ottiano (Rep) Little Compton, Middletown, Newport, Tiverton....................................... Louis P. DiPalma (Dem) Newport, Jamestown........................................................................M. Teresa Paiva Weed (Dem) East Providence........................................................................................ Daniel Da Ponte (Dem) Pawtucket, North Providence........................................................... Donna M. Nesselbush (Dem) Central Falls, Pawtucket..................................................................... Elizabeth A. Crowley (Dem) Lincoln, North Providence, North Smithfield.............................................. Edward J. O’Neill (Ind) East Providence, Pawtucket..................................................................William J. Conley Jr. (Dem) Cumberland, Lincoln.................................................................................Ryan W. Pearson (Dem) Cumberland, Woonsocket...........................................................................Roger A. Picard (Dem) Coventry, Foster, Scituate, West Greenwich.............................................. Nicholas D. Kettle (Rep) Smithfield, North Providence, Johnston.........................................Stephen R. Archambault (Dem) Burrillville, Glocester, North Smithfield....................................................... Paul W. Fogarty (Dem) North Smithfield, Woonsocket........................................................................ Marc A. Cote (Dem) Johnston............................................................................................... Frank Lombardo III (Dem) Cranston.................................................................................................Frank S. Lombardi (Dem) Cranston, West Warwick............................................................................Hanna M. Gallo (Dem) Cranston, Providence.....................................................................................Joshua Miller (Dem) Warwick............................................................................................. Michael J. McCaffrey (Dem) Warwick................................................................................................William A. Walaska (Dem) Warwick.......................................................................................................... Erin P. Lynch (Dem) Barrington, Bristol, East Providence.............................................................. David E. Bates (Rep) Coventry, East Greenwich, West Greenwich........................................Leonidas P. Raptakis (Dem) Charlestown, Exeter, Hopkinton, Richmond,West Greenwich..........................................Catherine Cool Rumsey (Dem) East Greenwich, Narragansett, North Kingstown, South Kingstown.............................................. Dawson Tucker Hodgson (Rep) Narragansett, North Kingstown............................................................. James C. Sheehan (Dem) New Shoreham, South Kingstown........................................................ V. Susan Sosnowski (Dem) Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingstown...................................................Dennis L. Algiere (Rep)
RI House of Representatives Member List for 2013 District 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.
City or Town Member Name Party Providence................................................................................................... Edith H. Ajello (Dem) Providence................................................................................Christopher R. Blazejewski (Dem) Providence...........................................................................................Thomas A. Palangio (Dem) Providence................................................................................................... Gordon D. Fox (Dem) Providence.............................................................................................. John J. DeSimone (Dem) North Providence, Providence.................................................................. Raymond A. Hull (Dem) Providence................................................................................................. Maria E. Cimini (Dem) Providence............................................................................................... John J. Lombardi (Dem) Providence.........................................................................................Anastasia P. Williams (Dem) Providence....................................................................................................Scott A. Slater (Dem) Providence.........................................................................................................Grace Diaz (Dem)
12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75.
Providence..............................................................................................Joseph S. Almeida (Dem) Johnston, Providence............................................................................ John M. Carnevale (Dem) Cranston, Providence..............................................................................Charlene M. Lima (Dem) Cranston............................................................................................Nicholas A. Mattiello (Dem) Cranston..................................................................................................Peter G. Palumbo (Dem) Cranston............................................................................................... Robert B. Jacquard (Dem) Cranston....................................................................................................... Arthur Handy (Dem) Cranston, Warwick........................................................................... Joseph M. McNamara (Dem) Cranston, Warwick................................................................................... David A. Bennett (Dem) Warwick................................................................................................Eileen S. Naughton (Dem) Warwick.........................................................................................................Frank G. Ferri (Dem) Warwick...............................................................................................K. Joseph Shekarchi (Dem) Warwick........................................................................................................Joseph A. Trillo (Rep) Coventry, West Warwick.............................................................................. Jared R. Nunes (Dem) West Warwick, Coventry, Warwick.......................................................... Patricia L. Morgan (Rep) West Warwick, Coventry, Warwick............................................................ Patricia A. Serpa (Dem) Coventry.....................................................................................................Scott J. Guthrie (Dem) Coventry, West Greenwich..........................................................................Lisa P. Tomasso (Dem) East Greenwich, West Greenwich........................................................... Antonio Giarrusso (Rep) Exeter, North Kingstown...................................................................... Doreen Marie Costa (Rep) North Kingstown...................................................................................... Robert E. Craven (Dem) Narragansett,South Kingstown................................................................ Donald J. Lally Jr. (Dem) Narragansett, South Kingstown.......................................................................Teresa Tanzi (Dem) South Kingstown................................................................................ Spencer E. Dickinson (Dem) Charlestown, New Shoreham, South Kingstown, Westerly.......................Donna M. Walsh (Dem) Westerly............................................................................................... Samuel A. Azzinaro (Dem) Hopkinton, Westerly......................................................................... Brian Patrick Kennedy (Dem) Hopkinton, Exeter, Richmond........................................................................Larry Valencia (Dem) Coventry, Foster, Glocester.............................................................Michael W. Chippendale (Rep) Cranston, Scituate................................................................................ Michael J. Marcello (Dem) Cranston, Johnston.................................................................................... Stephen R. Ucci (Dem) Johnston................................................................................................ Deborah A. Fellela (Dem) Johnston, Lincoln, Smithfield............................................................Gregory J. Costantino (Dem) Cumberland, Lincoln................................................................................Mia A. Ackerman (Dem) Lincoln, Pawtucket.............................................................................. Jeremiah T. O’Grady (Dem) Burrillville, Glocester.....................................................................................Cale P. Keable (Dem) Burrillville, North Smithfield.................................................................... Brian C. Newberry (Rep) Woonsocket............................................................................................ Lisa Baldelli Hunt (Dem) Woonsocket........................................................................................... Stephen M. Casey (Dem) Woonsocket, Cumberland........................................................................Robert D. Phillips (Dem) Cumberland............................................................................................Karen L. MacBeth (Dem) Glocester, Smithfield................................................................................ Thomas Winfield (Dem) North Providence.................................................................................. William W. O’Brien (Dem) North Providence..................................................................................... Arthur J. Corvese (Dem) Central Falls............................................................................................ Agostinho F. Silva (Dem) Central Falls, Cumberland................................................................. James N. McLaughlin (Dem) Pawtucket..........................................................................................William San Bento Jr. (Dem) Pawtucket................................................................................................. J. Patrick O’Neill (Dem) Pawtucket................................................................................................Elaine A. Coderre (Dem) Pawtucket.................................................................................... Raymond H. Johnston Jr. (Dem) Pawtucket............................................................................................Mary Duffy Messier (Dem) East Providence................................................................................ Katherine S. Kazarian (Dem) East Providence................................................................................................ Helio Melo (Dem) East Providence.............................................................................................Gregg Amore (Dem) Barrington, East Providence................................................................................ Joy Hearn (Dem) Barrington, Warren........................................................................................... Jan P. Malik (Dem) Bristol, Warren....................................................................................Kenneth A. Marshall (Dem) Bristol, Portsmouth........................................................................ Raymond E. Gallison Jr. (Dem) Portsmouth, Tiverton.................................................................................John G. Edwards (Dem) Little Compton, Portsmouth, Tiverton.................................................... Dennis M. Canario (Dem) Middletown, Portsmouth................................................................................... Linda Finn (Dem) Middletown, Newport............................................................................... Marvin L. Abney (Dem) Jamestown, Middletown........................................................................Deborah Ruggiero (Dem) Newport..........................................................................................................Peter Martin (Dem)
Common Ground
FEBRUARY 2013
Page 13
GENERAL ASSEMBLY LEADERS AND COMMITTEES SENATE
Senate President , Sen. M. Teresa Paiva Weed Majority Leader, Sen. Dominick J. Ruggerio President Pro Tem, Sen. William A. Walaska Deputy Pres. Pro Tem, Sen. Harold M. Metts Majority Whip, Sen. Maryellen Goodwin Deputy Majority Whip, Sen. Frank Lombardo Minority Leader, Sen. Dennis L. Algiere Minority Whip, Sen. David E. Bates Deputy Majority Leaders Sen. Marc A. Cote Sen. James E. Doyle II Sen. Juan M. Pichardo COMMITTEES Corporations Sen. Roger A. Picard, Chair Sen. William A. Walaska, Vice Chair Sen. Marc A. Cote, Secretary Sen. David E. Bates Sen. Hanna M. Gallo Sen. Paul V. Jabour Sen. Frank Lombardo III Education Sen. Hanna M. Gallo, Chair Sen. Harold M. Metts, Vice Chair Sen. Louis P. DiPalma, Secretary Sen. Elizabeth A. Crowley Sen. Daniel Da Ponte Sen. Nicholas D. Kettle Sen. Joshua Miller Sen. Edward J. O’Neill Sen. Adam J. Satchell Sen. James C. Sheehan Finance Sen. Daniel Da Ponte, Chair Sen. Louis P. DiPalma, 1st Vice Chair Sen. Walter S. Felag Jr., 2nd Vice Chair Sen. James E. Doyle II, Secretary Sen. David E. Bates Sen. Maryellen Goodwin Sen. Edward J. O’Neill Sen. Ryan W. Pearson Sen. Juan M. Pichardo Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski Environment and Agriculture Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski, Chair Sen. William A. Walaska, Vice Chair Sen. Nicholas D. Kettle, Secretary Sen. Stephen R. Archambault Sen. David E. Bates Sen. William J. Conley Jr. Sen. Catherine Cool Rumsey Sen. Gayle L. Goldin Sen. Maryellen Goodwin Government Oversight Sen. James C. Sheehan, Chair Sen. Paul V. Jabour, Vice Chair Sen. Edward J. O’Neill, Secretary Sen. Stephen R. Archambault Sen. Dawson T. Hodgson Sen. Erin P. Lynch Sen. Donna M. Nesselbush Sen. Ryan W. Pearson
Health and Human Services Sen. Joshua Miller, Chair Sen. Donna M. Nesselbush, Vice Chair Sen. James C. Sheehan, Secretary Sen. Catherine Cool Rumsey Sen. Gayle L. Goldin Sen. Christopher S. Ottiano Sen. Adam J. Satchell Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski Housing and Municipal Government Sen. Juan M. Pichardo, Chair Sen. Elizabeth A. Crowley, Vice Chair Sen. Frank A. Ciccone III, Secretary Sen. Paul W. Fogarty Sen. Nicholas D. Kettle Sen. Maryellen Goodwin Sen. Donna M. Nesselbush Judiciary Sen. Michael J. McCaffrey, Chair Sen. Paul V. Jabour, Vice Chair Sen. Erin P. Lynch, Secretary Sen. Stephen R. Archambault Sen. William J. Conley Jr. Sen. Dawson T. Hodgson Sen. Frank S. Lombardi Sen. Harold M. Metts Sen. Donna M. Nesselbush Sen. Leonidas P. Raptakis Labor Sen. Paul W. Fogarty, Chair Sen. Frank A. Ciccone III, Vice Chair Sen. Frank Lombardo III, Secretary Sen. James E. Doyle II Sen. Maryellen Goodwin Sen. Dawson T. Hodgson Sen. Frank S. Lombardi Sen. Michael J. McCaffrey Sen. Roger A. Picard Rules Sen. Erin P. Lynch, Chair Sen. Michael J. McCaffrey, Vice Chair Sen. David E. Bates Sen. Daniel Da Ponte Sen. Maryellen Goodwin Sen. Frank Lombardo III Special Legislation and Veterans’ Affairs Sen. Walter S. Felag Jr., Chair Sen. Erin P. Lynch, Vice Chair Sen. David E. Bates, Secretary Sen. Marc A. Cote Sen. Paul V. Jabour Sen. Christopher S. Ottiano Sen. Ryan W. Pearson Sen. Juan M. Pichardo Sen. Leonidas P. Raptakis
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
House Speaker, Rep. Gordon D. Fox Majority Leader, Rep. Nicholas A. Mattiello Speaker Pro Temp, Rep. Elaine A. Coderre Deputy Speaker, Rep. Donald A. Lally Jr. Majority Whip, Rep. Stephen R. Ucci Deputy Majority Whip, Rep. Christopher R. Blazejewski Minority Leader, Rep. Brian C. Newberry Minority Whip, Rep. Joseph A. Trillo Deputy Majority Leaders Rep. John G. Edwards, Senior Dep. Maj. Leader Rep. Samuel A. Azzinaro Rep. Arthur J. Corvese Rep. Deborah A. Fellela Rep. Frank G. Ferri Rep. Joy Hearn Rep. Charlene M. Lima Rep. Deborah Ruggiero Rep. William San Bento Rep. Agostinho F. Silva Rep. Scott A. Slater COMMITTEES Corporations Rep. Brian Patrick Kennedy, Chair Rep. Cale P. Keable, Vice Chair Rep. Peter G. Palumbo, Secretary Rep. Gregory J. Costantino Rep. Linda Finn Rep. Raymond H. Johnston Jr. Rep. Katherine S. Kazarian Rep. Kenneth A. Marshall Rep. Mary Messier Rep. Jared R. Nunes Rep. Jeremiah T. O’Grady Rep. Robert D. Phillips Rep. Joseph A. Trillo Environment and Natural Resources Rep. Arthur Handy, Chair Rep. Donna M. Walsh, Vice Chair Rep. Scott J. Guthrie, Secretary Rep. Michael W. Chippendale Rep. Maria E. Cimini Rep. John J. Lombardi Rep. Joseph M. McNamara Rep. Eileen S. Naughton Rep. William W. O’Brien Rep. Teresa Tanzi Rep. Larry Valencia Finance Rep. Helio Melo, Chair Rep. Eileen S. Naughton, Deputy Chair Rep. Raymond E. Gallison Jr., Co-Vice Chair Rep. Agostinho F. Silva, Co-Vice Chair Rep. William San Bento, Secretary Rep. John M. Carnevale Rep. Grace Diaz Rep. Frank G. Ferri Rep. Joy Hearn Rep. Robert B. Jacquard Rep. Jan P. Malik Rep. Patricia L. Morgan Rep. Deborah Ruggiero Rep. Scott A. Slater Rep. Larry Valencia
Health, Education and Welfare Rep. Joseph M. McNamara, Chair Rep. Samuel A. Azzinaro, Vice Chair Rep. Maria E. Cimini, Secretary Rep. Marvin L. Abney Rep. Mia A. Ackerman Rep. Gregg Amore Rep. David A. Bennett Rep. Dennis M. Canario Rep. Elaine A. Coderre Rep. Arthur J. Corvese Rep. Arthur Handy Rep. James N. McLaughlin Rep. Brian C. Newberry Judiciary Rep. Edith H. Ajello, Chair Rep. John J. DeSimone, Vice Chair Rep. Peter F. Martin, Secretary Rep. Joseph S. Almeida Rep. Christopher R. Blazejewski Rep. Robert E. Craven Sr. Rep. Doreen Marie Costa Rep. Donald J. Lally Jr. Rep. Charlene M. Lima Rep. Michael J. Marcello Rep. J. Patrick O’Neill Rep. K. Joseph Shekarchi Rep. Donna M. Walsh Labor Rep. Anastasia P. Williams, Chair Rep. Thomas Winfield, Vice Chair Rep. Deborah A. Fellela, Secretary Rep. Stephen M. Casey Rep. Gregory J. Costantino Rep. John G. Edwards Rep. Antonio Giarrusso Rep. Scott J. Guthrie Rep. Raymond A. Hull Rep. Cale P. Keable Rep. Thomas A. Palangio Rep. Lisa P. Tomasso Rep. Stephen R. Ucci Municipal Government Rep. John J. DeSimone, Chair Rep. Jeremiah T. O’Grady, Vice Chair Rep. Raymond H. Johnston Jr., Secretary Rep. Mia A. Ackerman Rep. Gregg Amore Rep. David A. Bennett Rep. Joy Hearn Rep. Katherine S. Kazarian Rep. Charlene M. Lima Rep. Kenneth A. Marshall Rep. Brian C. Newberry Rep. Deborah Ruggiero Rep. K. Joseph Shekarchi Oversight Rep. Michael J. Marcello, Chair Rep. Arthur J. Corvese, Co-Vice Chair Rep. Teresa Tanzi, Co-Vice Chair Rep. Karen L. MacBeth, Secretary Rep. Michael W. Chippendale Rep. Lisa Baldelli Hunt Rep. Raymond A. Hull Rep. Jeremiah T. O’Grady Rep. Thomas A. Palangio
Rep. Patricia A. Serpa Rep. Lisa P. Tomasso Rep. Donna M. Walsh Rep. Thomas Winfield Veterans’ Affairs Rep. Raymond J. Gallison Jr., Chair Rep. Deborah A. Fellela, Vice Chair Rep. Mary Messier, Secretary Rep. Marvin L. Abney Rep. Samuel A. Azzinaro Rep. Stephen M. Casey Rep. Doreen Marie Costa Rep. Robert B. Jacquard Rep. Karen L. MacBeth Rep. Peter F. Martin Rep. James N. McLaughlin Rep. Peter G. Palumbo Rep. Scott A. Slater Small Business Rep. Patricia A. Serpa, Chair Rep. Jared R. Nunes, Vice Chair Rep. Robert D. Phillips, Secretary Rep. Lisa Baldelli Hunt Rep. Dennis M. Canario Rep. Robert E. Craven Sr. Rep Spencer E. Dickinson Rep. John G. Edwards Rep. Frank G. Ferri Rep. Linda Finn Rep. Antonio Giarrusso Rep. Jan P. Malik Rules Rep. Arthur J. Corvese, Chair Rep. Christopher R. Blazejewski, Vice Chair Rep. Grace Diaz, Secretary Rep. Joseph S. Almeida Rep. Elaine A. Coderre Rep. Donald J. Lally Jr. Rep. Michael J. Marcello Rep. Patricia A. Morgan Rep. Agostinho F. Silva Rep. Teresa Tanzi Rep. Stephen R. Ucci
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Common Ground
FEBRUARY 2013
Page 15
Superstorm Sandy and America’s infrastructure Recovery and Rebuilding for the 21st Century Economy
By John A. Furia
As Superstorm Sandy swept along the Atlantic coast, it delivered great destruction and, in the process, highlighted the aging and fragile state of America’s infrastructure. Newspaper accounts were replete with examples: subway flooding, extensive loss of power, generators located without forethought in basements likely to flood, nursing homes and group homes difficult to evacuate, gas stations without electric power or just plain-out-of-supply of gasoline–all in a major metropolitan region of the United States.
Post 9-11 preparedness and 21st century competitiveness It’s hard to believe that disaster-relief efforts were hampered by lack of available supplies or difficulty in deploying assistance. The nation also witnessed shortages of shelter for the displaced and government agencies hampered by the lack of emergency planning for just such a major disaster. As if that wasn’t
enough, a national legislative battle developed on funding recovery efforts for the storm-damaged area. The New York Times recently reported that storm-damaged homes still had no heat, in the dead of winter, as homeowners struggled to rebuild their properties. Surprisingly, many years after 9/11, America still seems unprepared for a national emergency of any magnitude and also seemed equally ill-prepared to deal with the related issue of rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure for the global economy and the economic challenges of the 21st century. Progressive legislation and the Rhode Island congressional delegation In response to the issue of aging and neglected infrastructure, President Obama has promoted action by introducing legislation to provide permanent and continuous funding for infrastructure projects around the country– namely, an Infrastructure Bank.
Progressive legislators from various parts of the country have long supported such efforts. In Rhode Island, for example, Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, repeatedly fought for funding to strengthen the nation’s infrastructure. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (DRI), likewise, has been an advocate for extensive infrastructure funding and has frequently spoken out about transportation projects that he examined, in conjunction with DOT Officials that clearly displayed severe damage. In many cases, the damage to roads and bridges examined was clearly visible–without the need of any special engineering tools or equipment. In the House of Representatives, Rep. James Langevin (D-RI) has also introduced numerous legislative proposals on storm recovery and infrastructure funding. Yet, despite all of the many national and regional efforts, rebuilding America’s infrastructure seems to become a concern only af-
ter a national disaster–like Superstorm Sandy. Economics and investments in infrastructure Economists tend to agree that government spending on infrastructure projects signifies a long-term investment that promotes economic growth and commercial development. Good airports, roads, bridges, and rail–all encourage business growth and expansion of commerce. When business leaders make decisions about where to locate or expand–typically, the condition of infrastructure is near the top of their list. So, it makes sense to invest in rebuilding America because it can stimulate economic growth while laying the groundwork for enhanced business competitiveness for global challenges ahead. A previously released report, “Report Card for America’s Infrastructure,” See Sandy cont. on page 16
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Common Ground
See Sandy cont. from page 15 issued by the American Society of Civil Engineers, estimated the cost of needed infrastructure repair at approximately $2.2 trillion dollars. National Interstate Highways Act and National Emergency Response System (NERS) As an example of infrastructure funding that served as a national economic investment, one should look no further than National Interstate and Defense Highways Act–enacted by a Republican President with the cooperation of Democrats in Congress. President Eisenhower had witnessed the inadequacy of the roads in Europe, during World War II, and became convinced that a national highway system was needed to replace the existing patchwork of roads and turnpikes. With dedicated funding provided by the gasoline tax, the country embarked on the construction of 41,000 miles of road across the nation, which played a key role in expanded growth and economic competitiveness. It would be hard to imagine cross-country travel and commerce in America today, without an interstate highway system. Further, infrastructure investments could also be coordinated to address emergency preparedness efforts. A National Emergency Response System (NERS) might be an idea that would accelerate needed infrastructure investments and, at the same time, advance emergency recovery and preparedness. Think of Interstate highways with wi-fi or fiber-optic capability and gas stations,
hospitals, and public-safety buildings with back-up supplies of fuel and generators to assure some basic level of public-safety and mobility. They could be utilized in conjunction with highway exits that would be designated as refueling areas–just like existing diesel refueling locations–equipped with public pay phones that had ‘old-fashioned’ landlines that would be secure in emergencies. Fragments of this type of emergency response system exist; yet, a full-fledged national emergency response system unmistakably appears to be what’s needed. Waiting for another Superstorm should never be an option. Public service, the New Deal and the CCC With so much work to be done, now is the time to renew activism in our citizens, especially the young. New generations of young Americans seem eager to perform some form of work in rebuilding and beautifying the nation. Our country should not let that spirit dissipate. The impact of public activism can best be illustrated by a look back at the New Deal. One of the legacies of FDR was the creation of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Harry Boyte, Director of the Center for Democracy and Citizenship at Augsburg College and Senior Fellow at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, in the Twin Cities, has chronicled its impressive work. He noted that “nearly three million young men were employed in
FEBRUARY 2013 the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1933 to 1942, living in work camps. They planted more than two billion trees, erected 3,470 fire towers, built 97,000 miles of truck roads, logged 4,135,500 days fighting fires, and stopped soil erosion on more than 20 million acres of land. They created parks and recreational facilities still in wide use today.” In similar fashion, college students could be encouraged to dedicate school breaks or other interruptions in the academic calendar to enlist in restoring neighborhoods impacted by natural disasters. Perhaps, a basic stipend for time spent and some forgiveness of college loans could be fashioned. It also could be a prime opportunity to engage Unions and affiliated Building Trade Locals to utilize apprenticeship programs for reconstruction efforts and job-training activity. The combination of the Great Recession coupled with the overwhelming impact of Superstorm Sandy has been called the “Storm before the Storm.” The nation needs to be much better prepared for the Perfect Storm that clearly lies somewhere still ahead, in the not-toodistant future. John A. Furia serves on the Augsburg College faculty. The College is located in the Twin-Cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul) and has been ranked as a top Higher Educational institution in the Midwest. He previously served, for over 20 years, as Executive Director of AFSCME District Council 94, New England.
Common Ground
FEBRUARY 2013
Page 17
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Moved by the tragedy at the Sandy Hook Elementary School, a local Rhode Island couple and their son Jake Kravitz, a cadet at West Point who has been a volunteer fireman in South Foster since he was 13, delivered three Christmas wreaths and a teddy bear—incorporating a South Foster Ambulance Corp and Fire patch—to the town fire station in Newton Conn. in late December.
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Common Ground
FEBRUARY 2013
Rhode Island’s minimum wage increases Raise Will Benefit Many Low-Wage Workers and Boost Consumer Spending By the Rhode Island AFL-CIO
On Jan. 1, 2013, Rhode Island’s minimum wage increased 35 cents to $7.75 an hour, raising wages for an estimated 29,000 low-wage workers in the state. Rhode Island’s minimum wage increase means an extra $510 per year in wages for the average affected worker, and the increased consumer spending generated by the minimum wage hike will boost GDP by $3.9 million, according to an analysis by the nonpartisan Economic Policy Institute. Rhode Island was joined by nine states– Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington–that also raised state minimum wage rates on New Year’s Day, boosting wages for nearly one million workers nationwide. Rhode Island’s wage increase is the result of a law signed by Governor Chafee in June of last year. The last time Rhode Island raised its minimum wage
was in 2007. According to the Economic Policy Institute, an estimated 11,000 workers in Rhode Island will be directly impacted as the new minimum wage rate will exceed their current hourly pay, and 18,000 more will see a raise as pay scales are adjusted upward to reflect the new minimum wage. Sixty-four percent of these low-wage workers are adults over the age of twenty; 69 percent work 20 hours per week or more; 40 percent have at least some college education. “Rhode Island’s modest minimum wage increase this year will help promote economic growth by boosting the exact kind of consumer spending that we need to accelerate the post-recession recovery,” said George Nee, President of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO. “Congress should not only learn from Rhode Island’s example by raising the minimum wage, but it should also index the minimum wage to rise automatically
with the cost of living so that low-paid workers do not fall further behind each year.” While weak consumer demand is holding back business expansion, raising the minimum wage puts more money in the pockets of low-wage workers who have little choice but to spend that money immediately on basic expenses. In total, the minimum wage increases that took effect in all ten states in January will generate over $183 million in new economic activity and create the equivalent of 1,500 new full-time jobs. As of Jan. 1, 2013, nineteen states plus the District of Columbia have minimum wage rates above the federal level of $7.25 per hour, which is just over $15,000 per year for a full-time minimum–wage earner. Ten of these states index their minimum wage to increase automatically each year with the rising cost of living: Arizona, Colorado,
Florida, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington. Nevada has not scheduled a cost of living adjustment to take effect this year. Like the federal minimum wage, Rhode Island’s minimum wage is not indexed to rise with inflation, and, as a result, its real value erodes every year unless the legislature approves an increase. Without further action, the purchasing power of Rhode Island’s minimum wage will fall from its current $7.75 per hour to $6.40 by 2022, according to estimates provided by the National Employment Law Project. In real terms, the federal minimum wage is 30 percent lower today than in 1968. The Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2012, introduced in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives in July, would help recover much of this lost See Minimum Wage cont. on page 19
Common Ground Minimum Wage cont. from page 18 value by raising the federal minimum wage to $9.80 by 2014 and adjusting it annually with rising living costs thereafter. The Fair Minimum Wage Act would also raise the minimum wage for tipped workers from its current low rate of $2.13 per hour, where it has been frozen since 1991, to $6.85 over five years. Thereafter, it would be fixed at 70 percent of the full minimum wage. A large body of research shows that raising the minimum wage is an effective way to boost the incomes of lowpaid workers without reducing employment. A groundbreaking 1994 study by David Card and Alan Krueger, current chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, found that an increase in New Jersey’s minimum wage did not reduce
employment among fast-food restaurants. These findings have been confirmed by 15 years of economic research, including a 2010 study published in the Review of Economics and Statistics that analyzed data from more than 500 counties and found that minimum wage increases did not cost jobs. Another recent study published in April 2011 in the journal Industrial Relations found that even during times of high unemployment, minimum wage increases did not lead to job loss. Strengthening the buying power of low-wage workers is especially critical in this economic climate. A recent study by the National Employment Law Project reveals that, while 60 percent of jobs lost during the recession have been middle- and high-wage occupations, lowwage occupations have account-
FEBRUARY 2013
ed for 58 percent of jobs created in the post-recession recovery. The Rhode Island AFL-CIO is the umbrella organization for
more than 250 local unions, which represent over 80,000 working men and women across the state. Nationwide, more than
Page 19
13 million workers belong to the AFL-CIO. For more information, please visit: www.riaflcio.org.
The following table lists the states with increases, the amount of increase, the new wage on January 1, 2013, the total workers directly and indirectly affected, the increase in annual earnings for the average affected workers, and the GDP impact of each minimum wage increase: Amount of Wage Increase
New Wage on Jan. 1, 2013
Total Affected Workers
Increased Annual Pay for Average Affected Worker
Arizona
$0.15
$7.80
72,000
$320
$13,188,000
Colorado
$0.14
$7.78
66,000
$300
$11,170,000
Florida
$0.12
$7.79
210,000
$370
$46,428,000
Missouri
$0.10
$7.35
79,000
$190
$8,618,000
Montana
$0.15
$7.80
22,000
$310
$3,960,000
Ohio
$0.15
$7.85
215,000
$340
$43,443,000
Oregon
$0.15
$8.95
127,000
$410
$22,681,000
Rhode Island
$0.35
$7.75
29,000
$510
$3,938,000
Vermont
$0.14
$8.60
11,000
$240
$1,461,000
Washington
$0.15
$9.19
164,000
$310
$29,009,000
States with Minimum Wage Increase
Total
995,000
GDP Impact
$183,896,000
Page 20
Common Ground
FEBRUARY 2013
AFL-CIO president responds to immigration reform plan
By Jackie Tortora, AFL-CIO A bipartisan group of senators released a blueprint for comprehensive immigration reform last month, including a pathway to citizenship for some 11 million undocumented immigrants. The group includes Sens. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Marco Rubio (RFla.), Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John McCain (RAriz.), Michael Bennett (D-Colo.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). President Obama was scheduled to announce his immigration reform platform on Tuesday, Jan. 29. A delegation from the AFL-CIO, including AFLCIO President Richard Trumka, was expected to attend this event to support the push for comprehensive immigration reform and the road map to citizenship for the 11 million aspiring citi-
zens. The labor movement recognizes a strong and vibrant democracy cannot function unless all men and women, regardless of their skin color or where they were born, can participate meaningfully in the political process with full rights and equal protections in the workplace. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka released a statement on this blueprint: A bipartisan Senate group beginning the process to address our failed immigration system is an important and long overdue first step toward addressing our country’s broken immigration system. We are especially encouraged to see that at long last there is bipartisan agreement on our top priority, that immigration reform must include a viable path to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants
who call America home. Much remains to be seen on the details of that path, and each detail can have significant consequences for millions of aspiring citizens. For instance, we are concerned that making the citizenship path contingent on proof of employment at the time enforcement measures are deemed completed could be problematic. Depending on implementation, the principles could potentially exclude millions of workers—those who care for our children and our elderly, mow our lawns and repair our homes, drive taxis—who cannot prove employment because they have been forced to work off the clock or have no employer by virtue of being independent contractors. It would
also exclude immigrants who are employers themselves. We hope that this sort of acknowledgement of economic reality informs the actual bill drafting process. That is why we look forward to working with members of Congress and the president to ensure that all men and women here, regardless of their skin color or where they were born, can participate meaningfully in the United States of America with full rights and equal protections. America’s unions are undertaking a national campaign to support the aspiration of 11 million immigrants to become citizens because we understand that a more equal America is a stronger America.
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FEBRUARY 2013
Page 21
Tolman responds to Mass. Gov’s ‘Bold’ State of State Address
By the Massachusetts AFL-CIO Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Steven Tolman last month responded to Governor Deval Patrick’s annual State of the State Address, emphasizing the need for public investment in a post-recession economy. Governor Patrick made history as he laid out many bold and comprehensive legislative priorities as he enters the final two years of his term. He called for a sensible reform to our tax code that
lessens the burden on lower and middle class families while raising billions in new revenue which will be used to invest in transportation and education. Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Steven Tolman lauded the plan in the following statement: “After tough times that demanded shared sacrifice Massachusetts is ready for an investment in our future. Recent history has forced us to cut in order to
minimize the impact on our quality of life. But we cannot cut our way to stronger families, stronger communities, or a stronger future for our Commonwealth,” Tolman said. He added: “The only way to improve the quality of life for working families and the communities in which we live is to invest. That investment demands substantial new revenues that will be paid back in spades, with more jobs
stemming from stronger infrastructure, better schools, and communities that bolster the hard-working families that make our Commonwealth so exceptional. We applaud the Governor for pursuing these investments and urge the legislature to join us all in restoring the opportunity that is the lifeblood of Massachusetts.”
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Common Ground
FEBRUARY 2013
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FEBRUARY 2013
Page 23
Controversial treatment used in the fight against PTSD
By American Addiction Centers A South Carolina doctor and his wife, a nurse, are conducting experimental treatment for firefighters and war vets who suffer from PTSD using MDMA, a pure form of the psychoactive stimulant/party drug Ecstasy. Yes… ecstasy. According to the New York Daily News, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies is a nonprofit that’s funding Dr. and Mrs. Mithoefer’s research in a threeyear study to commence in 2014. According to the couple, ecstasy decreases fear while increasing trust—and hundreds of potential patients have contacted them for help. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of MDMA in such stud-
ies. Dr. Mithoefer says the drug can cause euphoria and anxiety throughout treatment, and so supervision and support throughout the entire process is crucial. For those who oppose Naturally, many people do not think this method is a good idea. Although the MDMA used in this treatment is different from Ecstasy, the fact it’s in the same family as a drug responsible for widespread addiction and overdose simply sounds like a bad idea, especially for patients battling with such a fragile and powerful illness. Ron Acierno, PTSD clinical team director at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, says,
“I don’t think any VA is going to touch this with a 10-foot pole because of the type of drug it is.” The benefits of MDMA If MDMA is successful in treatment, then it “helps the brain process traumatic memories without becoming overwhelmed by emotion or fear.” The symptoms of PTSD, including sudden nightmares and/ or flashbacks, depression and isolation, may decrease or even resolve. In 2010, Dr. Mithoefer published the first completed study of MDMA’s effect on trauma patients. After two months of treatment, he found more than 80 percent of the patients who
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