> Hey everyone! This Feb 12th the labor committee will hold a public hearing on the Maine fair trade legislation. If passed LD 1815 will establish a state commission to gather information, hold public hearings and make recommendations to congressional and trade officials on how free trade policies effect Maine's economy and laws - ah la the FTAA, CAFTA etc... what can we as a delegation do to strengthen the passage of the bill:--1. Being present at the hearing, either with testimony, or without: we need to make a showing that demonstrates the interest in the legislation, and the intention the public has to be involved in the participatory democracy this bill proposes. -2. Written testimony: (Also if youre present at the hearing, bring a written copy of your testimony if you have preprepared remarks) If you can't be present, send written testimony with someone who's going in. We have a unique perspective from being on the El Salvador delegation, and we come from many different experiences and perspectives in our individual work in this state. Any bit any of us could add to the conversation would be valuable. We could talk about privatization, migration, the effect on labor and environmental situations on both sides of this country's borders... We can talk from our perspectives as people working in the medical profession, on the environment, from working with low income Mainers, union perspective and of course just our concern and solidarity as human beings...of course I don't need to tell any of you this! -3. Calls and postcards to legislators on the labor committee - I can get that info to people if needed. -4. we have cards for small businesses to fill out in support of the legislation and info to hand out - besides me, you could contact Jack McCay 947 4203 on that as well. I canbe reached at [EMAIL PROTECTED] or at 326 8263. I will be gone from this friday to monday - but Jack or Matt, or others...can be contacted. Let me know what you think! In solidarity and love , MEREDITH Hi folks –
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!! The public hearing for our legislation – the Maine Jobs, Trade, & Democracy Act (LD 1815)– is set for: THURSDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2004 Labor Committee Augusta, most likely 1pm We need a HUGE TURNOUT for this hearing. It is key that we send a loud and clear message that we want this legislation to pass. Mark your calendars, spread the word, & plan to come to Augusta on February 12!!!!!! PLEASE RSVP if you can come to the public hearing on FEBRUARY 12. Our goal is to get: 100 people out to the public hearing 100 businesses signed on in support of our legislation & 500 postcards mailed in to Senators, Representatives & the Labor committee in support of LD 1815. Please stay tuned – Much more information will be coming along shortly. For a fair trade future, Matt PS - We had a very spirited & productive statewide meeting today with 25 people present in Augusta. Notes from that meeting will be coming shortly.
