Press Releases: 03/15/10 Republican Caucus applauds County Executive's efforts, plans for $44 million surplus 12/01/09 Legislative Republican Caucus Opposes Passage of Budget Amendments in 2010 Budget 10/02/09 ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATURE'S MINORITY CAUCUS COMMENTS ON 2010 PROPOSED BUDGET 09/10/09 Legislative Republican Caucus Votes to Sustain County Executive's Veto of Local Law 09/08/09 Erie County Legislature Demands Equal Funding for Road and Bridge Projects From State

John J. Mills - District 13 April 3, 2009 ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATURE MINORITY CAUCUS OPPOSES "CARD CHECK" LAW (Buffalo, NY) - Erie County Legislators John J. Mills (13th District), Edward A. Rath III, (15th District) and Raymond W. Walter (4th District) have spoken out against the federal "Employee Free Choice Act," also known as the "Card Check Law," currently being considered by the United States Congress. The Erie County Legislature approved a resolution in support of the proposed law at its session on March 26, 2009. Legislator Walter voiced opposition to the mechanism in the law which strips American workers of the right to a secret ballot and gives the federal government the right to impose labor contracts. Legislator Walter remarked, "The law eliminates a fundamental American freedom, the right to cast a secret ballot, and allows the federal government to step in and impose contracts whether employees approve or not. This is far from a 'Free Choice" law." Legislator Rath expressed concern that passage of the law will result in the loss of jobs, citing a study that indicated that for every three workers forced in to joining a union through the law, one job would be eliminated by businesses due to increased costs. "During tough economic times, we need to promote job creation, not squelch it. We should focus on ways to grow our economy, not stagnate it. Forcing workers to publicly express their opinion regarding unionization rather than through a secret ballot is an intimidation and bullying tactic that hurts workers, hurts business and hurts our economy," stated Rath. Legislator Mills objected to the timing of the resolution before the legislature. "Surveys show that over 75% of Americans are opposed to this law. President Obama has expressed his opposition to Card Check. It's a dead issue. The Erie County Legislature should focus its energy more on issues such as reforming county government, providing services more efficiently and fixing our roads and bridges right here in Erie County." The item was approved by the twelve members of the majority caucus and opposed by the three members of the minority caucus. Back to District 13 Homepage