VOTE NO ON RAILROAD CORPORATE WELFARE!

While services for sick kids, our seniors and most vulnerable are being slashed

NOW IS THE TIME TO STOP THE $450-$650 MILLION CORP0ROATE WELFARE DEAL FOR CSX RAILROAD!

CSX, one of the most powerful railroad companies in the world is currently working to get a sweetheart deal where the taxpayers will fund a rail system FOR THEM in Central Florida. In addition this bill forces the taxpayers to assume all liability for accidents, EVEN IF CSX IS AT FAULT! The legislation also will lead to the elimination of thousands of union jobs, replacing these well-trained, highly experienced workers with less skilled workers.

THIS WILL LEAVE RAIL SAFETY UP TO LOWEST BIDDER!

In return for our generous $450 - $650 million gift, they will allow for some commuter trains to run on the tracks. This is pure corporate welfare, being pushed by special interests and their allies in the Legislature. FLORIDA IS IN A BUDGET CRISIS! FUND SCHOOLS, SENIORS AND SICK KIDS, NOT WEALTHY CORPORATIONS!

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: VOTE NO ON BAD CSX RAILROAD DEAL

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing to urge you to vote against the CSX railroad deal currently being debated in the Senate. I have been seeing media accounts daily about all of the vital social programs that are being cut from the budget and thinking that this is the worst possible time to give $450 million or more of our taxpayer money to a private corporation. I want to see that money go to schools, programs for our seniors and all of the sick children and others being cut from Medicaid and other programs. I am also concerned that this deal gives CSX total immunity from any responsibility if a disaster occurs on this rail system. This is a bad deal for Florida and I am counting on you to reject it.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
April 09, 2008

Background Information

The Central Florida Commuter Rail project is a contentious effort by some in the Legislature to give $650 million to the CSX company, as well as the purchase of land, to create a commuter rail system for Central Florida.

Large scale public transit projects can be incredibly effective economic development projects, and a project such as this could greatly improve traffic congestion in this region of the state (anyone remember the High Speed Rail Amendment?). Unfortunately, there are several problems with this deal compelling our rail worker unions and the ULL to oppose this legislation.

Obviously, awarding such a large amount of money to a private company during the current budget crisis might not be the best idea, and there are numerous issues involving a "blanket liability" provision that will keep the CSX company from bearing any responsibility for accidents or other problems.

A chief concern is that our railway workers unions have been made aware that the Florida Department of Transportation has made it known that this project will be closed to union labor. Not only is this unfair and shortsighted, but it poses incredible risks for the riding public. Most commuter rail programs in the nation have a significant union presence because owners and operators have learned over time that unions provide the most professional, experienced and committed workforces to keep the railroads operating safely and efficiently. Union railroad workers are the best qualified to ensure that state and federal safety standards are followed. Because they are protected by a contract, they have the freedom to make sure that management is made aware when conditions are unsafe, without fear of losing their jobs. The fact that the state has made overtures that this massive project will be completely closed to the union workforce poses a great risk to the safety and security of the riding public.

This legislation has many problems but at the very least, real labor protections must be included to ensure that the workers who operate this commuter line are the very best in the business. Florida's riders deserve no less.