April 14, 2008

Memorandum

To: Ohio AFL-CIO Executive Board, CLC and ALF Leaders

From: Tim Burga, Ohio AFL-CIO Chief of Staff

As you may have read, after weeks of holding up the bi-partisan Energy Bill (SB221), Speaker Husted and his band of Republican House loyalists have chosen the tired path of divisive politics. Speaker Husted has decided to go against the unanimously supported Senate bill, which many organizations including the Ohio AFL-CIO and the Ohio Manufacturers Association back, and instead fight for a more de-regulated approach which rewards the utility industry at the cost of job creation and stable consumer electricity rates.

The Governor has been patient and has tried to work with the House Republicans. His veto statement clearly demonstrates the seriousness of the issue and the flaws in the House measure (Substitute SB221). The Substitute Bill which was presented in Committee yesterday, with no input from the Governor's office or House Democrats, is being roundly criticized as you will read in today's Columbus Dispatch (below).

Maryellen O'Shaughnessy will continue to work with the Ohio AFL-CIO Energy Ad Hoc Committee, Governor's office and the General Assembly on this important legislation and we will report back to you. In typical fashion, the House Republicans are giving little to no time to debate their substitute version and are expected to move the measure this upcoming week. Please contact your House of Representatives' member and Speaker Husted and tell them the House Substitute Bill is unacceptable.

Thank you.

Click here to read Governor Strickland's veto statement of SB 221>>

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