Good, Green Jobs Today; Job Development for Years to Come

“We are at a pivotal point where we must decide if we want to participate in a global economy or be left behind,” says Jeff Van Koningsveld, Executive Board Member of the Racine AFL-CIO Council.  “Other regions and states invest in their transportation systems and reap the rewards of jobs, businesses, talent, development, private investment, and millions in federal infrastructure dollars.”

As part of the Good Job Agenda, the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO supports the creation of Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) in Southeast Wisconsin, the Fox Valley and La Crosse, which will meet the criteria for federal funds and will create jobs in development and maintenance—as well as the economic development that a dynamic transportation network is known to promote based on the experience of other states.

“Our region needs reliable transportation options in order to attract new jobs,” says Annie Wacker, Vice President of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council.  “Passing the proposed RTA legislation would save our steeply declining bus system and enhance public transportation while allowing Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee Commuter Rail to move forward.” 

Participants from the labor movement joined a broad coalition of community and business leaders at press conferences in Milwaukee and Madison on Thursday, to show support for RTA legislation on the same day that the State Assembly held a hearing on the issue.

Union leaders who could not attend the press events signed a letter of support, which was sent to members of the Assembly. 

(Top Photo: Milwaukee Area Labor Council Vice President Annie Wacker speaking at the RTA rally in Milwaukee.  Photo Credit: Transit Now.  Bottom Photo: Racine AFL-CIO Council Executive Board Member Jeff Van Koingsveld speaking at the Madison RTA press conference.  Photo Credit: WISPIRG.)

Comments

[Jeff Van Koningsveld]

March 11 at the capital

[Logo Design]

I think we should do what California did. Orchestrate a major traffic jam in Madison so that the Republicans can NOT get to the capitol for their redistricting efforts. I here they are rusing so the less time they have the better. Maybe once a week??? Debbie.