LOCAL 72 RETIREE REPORT

COUNCIL RESOLUTION

My resolution to support President Biden's American Jobs Plan passed Monday, June 7 by a 16-1 vote. I want to thank all of my council members who saw value in this resolution and voted for it. I especially want to express my gratitude to the 9 members of council (a majority of council!) who co-sponsored the resolution.

This legislation would be a huge benefit to Kenosha taxpayers. The projects identified as potentially being funded under the bill are many and are impressive. This is one of those bills that should draw bipartisan support. In normal times, when our Republican legislators were not hellbent on opposing everything, any Democrat proposes it would be. 

So, the ball is in your court, Congressman Steil and Senator Johnson. You have already expressed your opposition to this legislation which would benefit your district and state. It is not too late to change your mind.

Please contact Representative Steil at (202) 225-3031, Senator Tammy Baldwin at (202) 224-5653, and Senator Ron Johnson at (202) 224-5323 and urge them to support the American Jobs Plan.

LABOR PAPER

It has been seven years since Marvin Modder and Mary Braun-Modder took over the reins of the Labor Times (Formerly the Kenosha Labor Paper). 

I can safely say that if they had not stepped forward and took this project on we would not have a labor paper today. There is a long list of journalists who made our Labor Paper one of the best in the nation. Names like Red Newton, George Poredon, and Ron Stevens come to mind.

Now Marv and Mary Modder's names are prominent in that list as well. Thank you, Marv, and Mary, for giving Kenosha's union movement a continuing voice for working men and women.

TRUMP LOST

The majority of Americans who identify as Republicans (a shrinking group) still claim that Trump won the election. They feel this way despite there being no evidence to support that decision. Every court where he has taken his claim, including many where the arbitrators are people he appointed, have rejected his claims of fraud.

If it wasn't so dangerous it would be funny. Now they are doing bogus "audits" in Arizona and elsewhere still trying to create some fraud where none exists. We need to concentrate on making it easier for people to vote in the face of voter suppression efforts across America. HR1 would protect American voters from either party suppressing votes, gerrymandering districts, and putting rules in place that would allow state legislatures to overrule the will of the people. This is important legislation. Even Senators like Manchin and Sinema should be able to see that.

LABORFEST

We are starting early on Laborfest 2022. This should enable us to assure vendors that our attendance will be as big as normal and our members will be safe in attending. Hang in there. We are still feeling the effects of the pandemic that the former President admitted to "downplaying". President Biden has led an effort that has vaccinated nearly 70 percent of American citizens. Get vaccinated. Do it for those you love.

NEW VEHICLES

The following retirees, family members and friends are proud owners of new Chrysler/Jeep vehicles purchased at Palmen Motors in Kenosha. Nick Antes-Ram pickup, Laura Johnson-Dodge Charger, Keith Miller-Jeep Grand Cherokee, Charlotte Mitchell, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Brian Olson-Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Mark Ross-Ram pickup. Kathe Herr bought a new Jeep Grand Cherokee in Tennessee. If you have recently purchased a new Chrysler, Jeep, Ram vehicle, let us know the model and name of the dealership and we will be happy to put it in the Labor Times.

HAPPY FATHERS’S DAY

On behalf of the Retiree executive board, I want to take this opportunity to wish all the dads out there a Happy Father’s Day.