Support a Bridge Loan for Domestic Automakers

Support a Bridge Loan for Domestic Automakers Our economy is in crisis, and now we are on the brink of losing our U.S. auto industry. If GM, Ford and Chrysler collapse, the effects will be felt everywhere. From machinists at parts manufacturers to beauty salons in auto plant towns, millions of jobs would be lost--deepening the impact of the current recession for all of us. The stakes couldn't be higher, and our lawmakers need to take decisive action now to avoid unthinkable consequences.

Your voice is critical. Write your lawmakers now and encourage them to support a bridge loan to the Big 3 automakers.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Provide an Emergency Bridge Loan to Automakers

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

An emergency bridge loan for our domestic automakers, enabling them to keep the production lines moving, is a necessary step to revitalize the U.S. auto industry, protect American jobs and begin rebuilding our economy.

The automakers have submitted plans to cut costs and strengthen products, and the UAW announced that workers will do their part, too. The bridge loan requested by the automakers and endorsed by the UAW is not a blank check like the ones Henry Paulson has handed out to Wall Street banks.

I urge you to act now to protect our auto industry and help save the jobs of millions of workers, both in and out of the auto industry. Millions of Americans are counting on your leadership.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
December 05, 2008


Background Information

  • One out of every 10 jobs in this country is auto-related, with the Big Three supporting 5 million jobs across all 50 states.
  • This is why the federal proposal to help the auto industry is so important -- especially in Kansas, where thousands are employed at General Motors Corp.' s Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Kan. 
  •  As we work through the crisis of 2008, hardworking Kansas families must not be expected to foot the bill for executive mismanagement.
  • The United Auto Workers have been actively working with GM leaders to help restructure and save the company. Retiree health insurance already has been conceded as part of negotiations. Reports that Fairfax workers make $76 an hour are highly exaggerated. Midline employees at the Fairfax plant make about $15 to $16 an hour, with average earnings at about $26 an hour and highly skilled professionals earning about $32 an hour.
  • The auto industry must be saved, but not at the expense of workers. GM's Fairfax Assembly Plant employs 2,640 workers and pays more than $10 million a year in property taxes.
  • With the Fairfax plant already facing slowdowns and layoffs, a GM bankruptcy would devastate the Kansas economy. 
  • A crash in this backbone of America's manufacturing sector would create a devastating ripple effect, leaving just a matter of time before the aerospace industry (which already has lost 1,800 jobs in Wichita in recent months) could suffer the same fate. We all have a vested interest in urging our senators and congressmen to save the auto industry, protecting both Kansas jobs and the hard workers filling them.

Based on an op-ed by Dennis McKinney, of Greensburg, Kansas  House minority leader and incoming state treasurer and Jim Ward, of Wichita, Kansas House assistant minority leader.