Our economy isn’t working for most workers, and that’s because our leaders don’t understand the everyday struggles most Americans face in the workplace. It’s time to elect a fierce advocate for unions, consumers and the working class — and that person is U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
Last week, Warren released a new plan to strengthen and expand American labor rights. I was thrilled to see her proposals to make unions stronger, and make sure that essential protections are extended to all workers.
In the public sector, Warren will ensure that all public employees are able to organize and collectively bargain in every state by enacting the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act. This is especially important for public service workers like teachers, who are frequently underpaid despite the value they provide to our communities.
Warren would also appoint National Labor Relations Board members who would guarantee graduate students the right to unionize — reversing the Trump administration’s decision to block them from doing so.
And she would fight to pass legislation that reaffirms this, so that future administrations can’t reverse this decision yet again.
We need a president who will relentlessly work to protect the working class, and I am grateful to know that advocate will be Elizabeth Warren.
She has stood by unions, supported teachers striking for better pay and better conditions for the kids they teach, and her plan to empower workers shows that she’ll continue to stand by them as president.
BRIAN SULLIVAN
Grantham
The writer represents Sullivan District 1 in the New Hampshire House and is chair of the Labor Committee.
Every morning I turn on WNTK to listen to Keith Hanson and his interesting program. After returning from being away, I turned on the radio as usual only to find that my favorite morning show was no longer being broadcast. I assumed that maybe Hanson was on vacation and there was a replacement while he was absent. But I found out that his show has been cancelled.
I am sorry to say that my mornings are not the same and I do not like the new replacement show.
SUE HAGOPIAN
Sunapee
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Fresh Air host families and volunteer leaders in Central Vermont.
Because of the dedication and commitment of these families and many others along the East Coast and in southern Canada, thousands of children from New York City’s low-income communities participated in our Friendly Towns volunteer host family program this summer.
I am inspired by the heartfelt stories shared by hosts who welcome our children into their homes and community, and the joy and growth it brings to everyone.
For more than 140 years, The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has brought people together and provided free summer experiences to more than 1.8 million New York City children, who make new friends and forge relationships that can last a lifetime.
We’ve learned that, after staying with a host family, children are more confident and more comfortable meeting new and different people. Children tell me about their excitement to return to visit with a host family and all the activities ahead.
Our programs would not be possible without the generosity of our Fresh Air host families, supporters, and volunteers in Central Vermont.
Our local volunteers, many of whom are also hosts, interview prospective host families, help recruit new families and plan special activities.
I would also like to thank the individuals and local businesses who give their time and resources to ensure The Fresh Air Fund’s Friendly Towns program in Central Vermont is such a success each year.
Please contact Erica Brinton, of Norwich, at 802-649-1714 or visit www.FreshAir.org to learn more about hosting a child through The Fresh Air Fund.
FATIMA SHAMA
New York City
The writer is the executive director of The Fresh Air Fund.
I am perplexed by the continuing questions about the number of acting heads of departments and agencies in the Trump administration.
Why should this be of concern when we have an acting president?
GEORGE SUTHERLAND
Grantham