Labor Day Messages

from Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz:

Dear Friend,

Labor Day marks the unofficial ‘end of summer’ when we gather with friends, family, and neighbors for that last summer barbecue or parade and students return to school.  As we celebrate, we should all take time to appreciate the legacy behind Labor Day – a day to honor America’s workers.

 

Every day Americans works long, hard hours to meet their responsibilities to their families and their communities, and in Congress I have a firm commitment to ensure that we do all we can to strengthen America’s economy.  And, we need to ensure America’s economic policies work for workers, not against them. I am a cosponsor of the Bring Jobs Home Act (H.R. 5542), which eliminates tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas.  This year, I introduced the Support Working Parents Acts of 2012 (H.R. 6268) which would provide middle class families a 35 percent tax credit to help cover the rising cost of child care expenses.  And, I worked hard to ensure that Congress passed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which was a major step towards ending gender pay discrimination in America.

As the daughter of a Korean War veteran, I firmly believe that we have the responsibility to better ensure that our nation’s veterans can find work when they return home. Too many veterans, especially post-9/11, are struggling to find employment. As we wind down two wars, it is our duty and honor to support our veterans and ensure they have good, stable jobs when they return home so they can support their families and regain their footing in civilian life.  In my first term in Congress, I introduced legislation to provide tax credits to businesses that hire unemployed veterans. This bill was signed into law in 2007 and later strengthened by President Obama in 2009. To build on the success of that law, I introduced the Hiring Our Veterans Act, which was signed into law by President Obama in November 2011 as part of a larger package to strengthen the economic climate for veterans.

Have a safe and happy Labor Day, and let’s continue to work together to move America’s economy forward.

from Kathy Boockvar, Democratic candidate for 8th congressional district:

Dear Friend,
Today, we recognize the millions of American workers who compose the world's most industrious labor force. While a celebratory day, it is also an opportunity for us to recommit ourselves to America's workers and middle class families. Too many are still struggling this holiday and Congress needs to do more.

I am proud to have spent my career helping Pennsylvania workers protect their jobs, their Social Security and Medicare, and their families. I am also a proud former UAW member. Many of the rights we take for granted-- like the 40 hour work week, workplace safety, and the minimum wage-- would not exist were it not thanks to the incredible efforts of labor. We owe America's workers a huge thank you for building and driving and teaching our country. Let's work together to give businesses the incentives and tools to make it here in America, and bring our jobs home, so that we can all go back to work, rely on a liveable wage, and show our children a stronger America.


Happy Labor Day, and many thanks for all you do.