Politics
2012 is a big year, with primary elections in all four states this summer and the general election in November. This year our priority again is JOBS! That means we’ll be pushing for investment in infrastructure – updating our water systems, improving transportation, and high speed rail. In the other states in our jurisdiction, it means much the same, building infrastructure, supporting the energy pipelines for alternative sources of energy and continuing to support like-minded politicians.
VOTE Program
Don't wait to become active in Local 3's political process. The Voice of the Engineer (VOTE) Program makes the difference in priority races. It also provides opportunities for members and their families to make a difference in their communities and in their union – all while earning prizes and awards. To volunteer in your area, call your district office. Click here to find your district office contact information.
High Speed Rail
On Wednesday, July 18, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. signed SB 1029, which will create thousands of new jobs in California by modernizing regional transportation systems and linking them to the state's future high-speed rail line. The $4.7 billion investment will be matched by an additional $7.9 billion in federal and local dollars for statewide improvements to transportation in California. Read the press release now.
High-Speed Rail is a vital project in California. It not only means jobs but a world-class transportation system that will continue to place California as an industry leader in technology, infrastructure improvements and much more. With over 800 miles of track and up to 24 stations bring with it lots of jobs.
Check the OE3 High-Speed Rail page for more information.
SMART Train
North Bay rail advocates rallied in a show of support for the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit system, defending the commuter train project as a benefit for both the economy and the environment. About 300 people assembled at Santa Rosa's Railroad Square for the hour-long rally, which was staged by the SMART Riders Coalition, a group of labor, business and environmental organizations.
Redistricting
You've heard the term, but what does it mean? Redistricting is the process of re-drawing congressional and state legislative districts using updated census figures. Every 10 years, the United States does a national census. Check the Members Only political page for your state (CA, HI, NV, UT) to find out more about how it will impact your district now.
Income Gaps
A huge share of the nation's economic growth over the past 30 years has gone to the top 0.01 percent, who now make an average of $27 million per household. The average income for the bottom 90 percent of us is $31,244. This statistic, along with other interesting facts about the gap between America's rich and its middle class, can be found by clicking here. The information will surprise and upset you.
Tax Subsidies for the Big Business?
It's hard these days to read the headlines when the price of gas continues to rise with oil companies reporting record profits, while at the same time pleading for tax breaks under the cover of research on renewable energy sources. It doesn't take long to realize that they don't follow up on these promises. Get more details here.
State Politics
Visit the state politics page for your region and find out what is happening in your the state: