SUPPORT THE 100 HOURS AGENDA

We cannot allow Congress to squander such an historic opportunity. Thanks to new leadership, we can actually raise the minimum wage, fix Medicare Part D, and repeal tax breaks for Big Oil – and that's just the beginning!

That's why AFSCME has joined with a coalition of groups in launching the Change America Now campaign (CAN). Using every tool at our disposal, we're going to put pressure on legislators to get with our program and support the progressive economic elements of the 100 Hours Agenda that House Speaker-to-be Nancy Pelosi has set out:

Lower the cost of prescription drugs by directing Medicare to use its purchasing power to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies.

Repeal tax breaks and other multi-billion dollar subsidies for Big Oil and invest in alternative sources of energy.

Raise the federal minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 an hour.

Sound good to you? Then tell your representatives in Washington now.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Please Vote for the 100 Hours Agenda

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

In this new Congress, I urge you to support the Change America Now (CAN) 100 Hours Agenda.

The last election was a mandate for change. Thanks to new leadership, we can actually raise the minimum wage, fix Medicare Part D, and repeal tax breaks for Big Oil.

I believe that by supporting these initiatives in the first 100 hours, you can stand up for the American people and demonstrate your commitment to a Congress that Changes America Now.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
December 14, 2006

Background Information

Tell your representatives about the CAN Agenda:

Raise the Minimum Wage

A minimum wage worker who works full-time, 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year, earns $10,700 a year –$6,000 below the poverty line.
The purchasing power of the minimum wage has deteriorated by 17 percent. After adjusting for inflation, the value of the minimum wage is at its second lowest level since 1955.
Raising the minimum wage to $7.25 an hour will mean an additional $4,400 a year to help minimum wage earners support their families.

Repeal the tax giveaways for oil companies

Over the past 10 years, Congress has given oil companies over $6 billion in tax credits for exploration and domestic drilling
In the meantime, companies like Exxon-Mobil had 3rd quarter earning of $10.5 billion – the second highest quarterly profit ever for a U.S. public-traded company.

Fix Part D

Fifty-eight percent of people disapprove of the way Bush is handling prescription drug benefits
Part D prevents Medicare from negotiating for the lowest possible prices, providing billions in handouts to drug and insurance companies
The plan provides no coverage for annual costs between two thousand two hundred fifty dollars and five thousand one hundred dollars—called the “donut hole”
It does not provide a simple and less expensive benefit for seniors directly from Medicare