Frightening: Heather Wilson's Labor Record

Blog post contributed by Suzanne Prescott:
In September, as we celebrate and honor the achievement of workers, it's only fitting to look at where Heather Wilson (R NM-01) stands on labor  issues. A look at her record should frighten a large proportion of New Mexicans. Go HERE for the Table which compares Wilson's voting record on labor issues with Tom Udall's (New Mexico's 3rd congressional district.)

A comparison of Wilson to all the members of Congress isn't good either and that's in a Congress which overall has been unkind to American workers. Udall ranks a respectable 69 out of 431 and Wilson ranks 246. These numbers are taken from Progressive Punch

How much less could Wilson represent the interests of the people of New Mexico? The Table shows that Udall is better on all eight measures --- close-to-home measures which matter to voters. Wilson was on the side of workers only 6% of the time. Take a look at Wilson's voting record on 'Pension Protections' or 'Occupational Safety & Health' - It looks like Bush and Wilson are trying to destroy retirement if we live that long. Workers here hope to see their hard work payoff for themselves and their families in a healthy and rewarding lifestyle.

And if I read Barbara Ehrenreich correctly, Wilson's direction takes American workers back toward indentured servitude not toward the American dream. Wilson's direction seems clear; there will be no raise in the minimum wage, no pension protections, increasing infringements on occupational health and safety and further erosion of worker's rights.

If I didn't have the pension I earned now, I'd be in the same position faced by millions of Americans - not enough money to survive on, a potential burden on relatives and friends, & facing a myriad of health issues with no solution in sight. There may not be a solution later on but there is a solution now.  Don't forget where Wilson stands on labor issues when you vote. Show this page to others in your family and let them see the direction Wilson is taking us.

Resources:

Check out Wilson's record here. Check out Udall's record here.

Visit those sites to see how each score was derived and to learn more about the scoring methods used. Verify the information for yourself.

For more on the shift from real social security to 'risk-based retirement visit AARP and Privatization of Risk.