Feb 2009 Vol. 12 No. 2

Executive Officer's Forum

Frustration and Hope

Bob Alvarado, Executive Officer

en Espanol >


"The inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States gives us hope at a time we really need it. We have already begun to make huge strides in the right direction."

The current budget stalemate in Sacramento has severely impacted our state’s ability to sell bonds, to the point that the obscure state agency responsible for issuing funding has pulled the plug on funding for hundreds of projects that are about to start, or are currently underway. Included in this issue is a list of state legislators in Northern California. If we don’t have a budget by the time you read this, please write or call your representatives and urge them to get their work done, so we can get back to work!

Nationally, it’s better news

On the federal front, the news is all good. President Obama’s stimulus plan will be a real driving force for recovery. The funding in this huge bill will come in two waves. The first wave will be for maintenance and so-called “shovel-ready” transportation projects that can start right away. The second wave, which will start later in the year, will be more focused on public buildings, like schools and court houses. All of this will put carpenters to work, at a time when we really need the work.

Another piece of good news, reported here last month, is the appointment of Congresswoman Hilda Solis as Secretary of Labor. She has been a true friend of the carpenters, and comes from a union background so she understands our struggle. It will be a very welcome relief to have a Department of Labor that is focused on helping working people, instead of helping business hold working people down.

I know there are still a lot of questions about our pension, but the big issue is what happens with pension reform in the Congress. We’ll have to wait and see what happens this spring, and what kind of tools they give us. The good news is that we now have a President who believes in a secure retirement for working people. Whatever happens, rest assured we will do everything in our power to protect your pension.

The inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States gives us hope at a time we really need it. Despite the challenges we face as a nation, people are excited about the opportunities for change. Our new President has already taken positive action to reverse some of the most disastrous Bush policies.

Significantly, the first bill signed by President Obama protects workers by extending the time we have to sue employers for discrimination. We can look forward to more positive steps that will help us as we work to build our union, and protect workers and their families. Change won’t be easy, and it won’t come quickly, but I am convinced we have already begun to make huge strides in the right direction.

Back to Current Issue | Top of Page