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Dear Friend:

I am writing to urge you to contact your state Senators and insist that they oppose the legislation creating commuter rail service over CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT) track near Orlando, Florida (CF Rail).  

We initially supported this commuter rail expansion, however as we learned more about the deal it became evident that the only real winner is CSX.  Over a half of a billion of federal, state, and local tax dollars will go directly into CSX's pockets in various ways. This will make a highly profitable private company even more profitable while eliminating railroad signal maintenance and construction jobs. In addition, CSX, essentially, gets a free pass on the costs of liability.

Signalmen perform extremely safety-sensitive work that is vital to passenger, commuter, and freight rail safety. This dangerous deal also sets precedent that could allow CSX (and other railroads) to enter into the same type of deal on rail lines throughout the state of Florida and across the nation.

Following unproductive meetings with state and company officials, the Florida AFL-CIO State Federation has worked closely with the BRS to show strong opposition to this unjust deal for Florida residents and rail workers.  The battle for safety, jobs, and the interests of the citizens of Florida now turns to the Senate.

The CSX/FDOT deal is just plain wrong, and we implore you to send an e alert to your Senator expressing your strong opposition to this obvious and obscene form of corporate welfare.
   
Thank you so much for your assistance in this important issue.

Sincerely,

R. G. (Gus) Demott
General Chairman, BRS