We All Need To Pay Attention

We All Need To Pay Attention

By the time you read this, the Republican efforts to repeal and replace the ACA will have been determined. Hopefully, it will be defeated for a number of reasons, including the estimated loss of health care coverage for at least 32 million people.

However, we need to pay attention to politicians who are supporting this repeal and replace effort.  For example, one GOP Senator stated that there are many reasons to reject this legislation, but he will vote for it because that is what the GOP wants. The repeal bill has been established behind closed doors, a limited minute hearing and no evaluation by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). The provisions of the bill and how it will affect millions of people are terrible. And to make matters worse, it appears that certain Republican states will receive additional funding at the expense of certain Democratic states in order to influence votes. 

Concurrently, there is an ongoing attack on workers and their unions. We are observing a roll back of services, while many protections enacted by President Obama are being eliminated. For example, additional overtime protection, workers’ rights when organizing and women’s equal pay, to name a few, are at risk.  Also the Republicans have introduced a national Right to Work (for less) law that is atrocious and intended to destroy unions. 

Have you noticed that certain talking heads have argued that changes in immigration policies are intended to protect workers’ pay and jobs? There is no evidence that these policies would have any such impact. What would have a positive impact on workers’ pay and jobs is a union and workers organizing.  Unfortunately, we don’t hear much about the benefits of unions and collective bargaining.  That’s why it is vital that we pay attention to political news.  Call your legislatures and let them hear your voice! 

 

Bill Gibbons, PACE Representative