UE Educates
Ohio Lawmakers
On Workers’ Issues
COLUMBUS, Ohio
UE members from six locals, representing co-workers at workplaces around the state, met Feb. 21 with Ohio legislators on
issues of concern to workers.
The Ohio UE delegation, led by District Seven Pres. Joyce Clayborne, presented legislators an alternative state
budget and addressed the more than 100,000 manufacturing jobs lost in Ohio during the past 18 months, the far-reaching consequences of
last year’s Ohio budget cuts, public education, the health insurance crisis, electric deregulation and pay equity.
The delegation visited the offices of the entire Ohio Senate, and more than 50 members of the Ohio House of
Representatives. Accompanied by UE Political Action Dir. Chris Townsend, the delegation also met with Ted Brown, Governor
Taft’s labor liaison.
'MEMBERS ENCOURAGED'
Overall, the UE delegation received a good response, particularly as union members hammered away on the importance of
saving jobs and resolving the health care crisis. "Our members were encouraged," Pres. Clayborne told the UE NEWS.
Sen. C.J. Prentiss of Cleveland hosted the UE delegation’s morning meeting and briefed union members on
legislative developments, particularly with regard to education and the budget.
As part of the district’s ongoing political action, delegates invited legislators to meet with their locals back home.
Two lawmakers called the District Seven office the next day to make appointments to speak to local union meetings, Clayborne said.
"These follow-up meetings are the most important thing."
UE News - 3/02
