2015 Annual LEAP Conference

       In May I had the privilege to be a delegate at the 2015 Annual LEAP Conference in Washington D.C.. LEAP stands for Legislative Education Action Program, its purpose is to find which politicians are labor friendly and to let them know what legislation is important to us. Funds are raised to support these candidates through CAF (Campaign Assistance Fund) and LEF (Legislative Education Fund). CAF money is used on the federal level and LEF is used on the state level. This was an excellent experience and a chance to reinforce the importance of the LEAP program and current legislation effecting Boilermakers across the country.

       Every morning was started with speakers including President Newton Jones, other labor leaders and even comedian and United States Senator Al Franken of Minnesota. Between the keynote speakers and the information being given to us, the mornings were very busy. After the conference ended for the day we would head straight to the Capitol Buildings. Monday, Tuesday and all day Wednesday were full of meetings with members of Congress and Senators totaling 22 in 3 days. 

       During these meetings we covered several topics such as, the TPP & TPA,  the 40% excise tax or “Cadillac Tax” going to fund the Affordable Care Act in 2018, the Jones Act, clean coal and energy, future legislation to cut retirees benefits along with other things that effect us. It was quite eye opening to hear the diverse answers. For each office to have their own stand on these subjects instead of following their party lines was refreshing but also a disappointment at times. As President Jones said, just because there is a (D) next to their name doesn't make them an ally, and just because there is an (R) doesn't make them an enemy. During the meetings we gave appreciation where it was due and gave disapproval where it was needed, regardless of party. Something interesting is out of all the business cards we collected every single Democrat had the union bug on the bottom and not a single Republican did.    

       Brothers and Sisters, with falling man hours and declining membership, the 2016 elections are more important than ever to stand up and make a difference. Become involved with our LEAP committee, donate the minimal amount to the Campaign Assistance Fund and exercise the right to vote like everyone of us swore to do when we became members of this brotherhood. The future of this Union depends on all of us.

       Despite what party the politician is affiliated with we must support the one which will benefit our work and our standard of living that Unions have fought so hard for.

       Thank you for this opportunity, it was a great honor representing you. 

                                              Fraternally yours,

                                        Erik Seaberg 

                                                  President, Local 502