Ehlers Won't Commit to Protecting Worker Health and Safety

In a previous post, I noted that I sent a letter to Rep. Vern Ehlers about new proposed Bush administration Labor Department that would make it easier for corporations to ignore safety and health standards. I asked him to join other members of Congress in blocking them.

His response more or less acknowledged my letter, but it failed to commit to protecting worker safety and health. This is a real problem, in my view. The gist of his response? "I will carefully study it if it moves through the legislative process."

Nowhere did he say that he prioritizes the health and safety of working men and women. He is just going to study it?

At best this milk toast response suggests that Rep. Ehlers flip-flops on issues when it suits him bests and makes no effort to be a real leader in Congress. He collects a paycheck and free taxpayer-funded health insurance.

At worst, it highlights that Ehlers is another typical Republican who bends to corporate interests over the needs of working families.

It is time for an alternative.