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"Find Common Ground,"
Says Rep. Davis

At the UAW CAP Legislative Conference in February, Region 8 delegates had the pleasure of hearing Rep. Artur Davis, D-Ala. Here are excerpts of remarks made by this pro-union member of Congress:

You know, these days it is not easy to be a working-class person in America. There are pressures to lower wages, lower benefits, dump pension plans and outsource jobs to low-wage countries.
America’s workers need a level playing field but instead they find roadblocks that prevent them from doing their job. We see the government passing budgets that reap more tax cuts on the wealthy while cutting programs that help working-class Americans.

It is frustrating and discouraging and sometimes our frustration can spill over. Believe me I know. Last week we debated the new budget on Capitol Hill. We argued against cuts to food stamp programs, cuts to Medicare and cuts to college loans for students.
This budget still passed by a slim vote. On CAFTA, we fought the good fight and made the case for defeating this ill-fated trade deal. Again, we lost a very close vote.

When I get frustrated during these times, I think about Dr. and Mrs. King and their steadfastness in keeping on with the struggle with a peaceful heart and clear mind. I still believe that America is a great country and that we can make it better. As I said, we have lost many close votes over the past two years. But I firmly believe we can make a difference so we begin winning some of these close votes. It requires a process of maintaining open and honest dialogue.

We must continue to educate people on the issues and make certain they take the interest of every American to heart. There is a connection we all share as American citizens and we must continue to find common ground and work for the good of all.

I have to believe that if we continue to talk about the issues that we face as a nation, collectively we can make this a better country. Thank you again for being there for America’s workers and holding the line for dignity, safe workplaces and fair compensation. I look forward to working with you as together we build a better nation and a better world. Thank you, UAW.