Dear ASEA/AFSCME Local 52 GGU Member:

As you are aware, during the last legislative session our members and other public employees were under attack on several fronts. This included SB 141 passed by the State Legislature that changed the retirement system from a defined benefit system to a defined contribution system for our future members and other public employees who are hired after July 1, 2006. There were also proposals by the Alaska Legislature and Administration to privatize or out source many of our members' jobs.

I expect these types of attacks on our members and other public employees to continue in the coming legislative session.

That is why the State Executive Board of your union, ASEA/AFSCME Local 52, has recently created the Member Action Program (MAP). The purpose of the MAP is to increase the emphasis on programs and services which will grow and strengthen our membership; promote increased respect and understanding by the public of the work you do to deliver needed services to the citizens of Alaska; and, to improve communication, training, and education with you regarding your union's activities and goals.

To help fund these programs a minimum of two (2) dollars per pay period of your current dues is being allocated directly to the MAP.

We all know that we live and work in a political environment. The Alaska Legislature approves the funding for your wages and benefits that are negotiated in our collective bargaining agreement, they can enact legislation to privatize your job, continue to reduce your benefits, and could even take away the protections you receive under the Public Employee Relations Act (PERA).

For these reasons it is imperative that we are able to fully support those legislators and candidates for office who support us. This requires a strong and effective Political Action Committee (PAC).

The PAC serves several functions. During the months that the Legislature is in session, the PAC follows proposed changes to state laws that impact your life. With the assistance of the staff lobbyist, the PAC makes sure your voice is heard in the legislative chambers and tracks voting records of incumbent legislators. During election season, the PAC interviews and endorses candidates for office who understand the importance of public service. Based on these endorsements the PAC makes campaign contributions to those candidates who are willing to stand up for you and protect your interests.

To have a strong and effective PAC your help is needed now! With your permission fifty (50) cents per pay period of your current dues that is allocated to the Member Advancement Program can be contributed to the ASEA/AFSCME Local 52 Political Action Committee (PAC) if needed. The amount transferred to the PAC will be used to support legislators and candidates who support you and will protect your interests. By signing the enclosed voluntary contribution form you are giving permission for ASEA/AFSCME Local 52 to transfer fifty (50) cents per pay period of your dues to the ASEA/AFSCME Local 52 Political Action Committee. THIS WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR UNION DUES .

You can also join the Union P.E.O.P.L.E. (Public Employees Organized to Promote Legislative Equality) Program by making a voluntary contribution to the ASEA PAC. This contribution is in addition to your normal dues. Participation in P.E.O.P.L.E. is voluntary. I have enclosed the authorization form you need to complete to join the AFSCME P.E.O.P.L.E. Program. By providing additional funding to the PAC through the AFSCME P.E.O.P.L.E. Program, you will become a member of the Political Action Committee. Directors of the PAC, who are ASEA members appointed from the PAC membership, determine which candidates to endorse and assist the legislative lobbyist with political action. If you currently are, or become a contributor to P.E.O.P.L.E., and are interested in becoming a Director on the PAC, please contact the ASEA/AFSCME Local 52 Juneau Field Office at 1-800-478-0049.

I am pleased that we are able to increase our emphasis on programs to grow and strengthen our union. By authorizing the contribution of fifty (50) cents per pay period of your current dues to the PAC by completing the MAP voluntary contribution form, or by becoming a member of the P.E.O.P.L.E. Program by completing the enclosed authorization for payroll deduction form, you will be supporting an important political action network that protects your future.

In solidarity,

Jim Duncan
Business Manager
ASEA/AFSCME Local 52, AFL-CIO

JD/bhc

Enclosures:

Voluntary Contribution Form for the Member Advancement Program Authorization for Payroll Deduction of Voluntary Contribution Form to AFSCME P.E.O.P.L.E. Program