On the recordMarch 2, 2011
I rise today to express my strong opposition to attempts by the Republican Governor of Wisconsin and the Republican Governor of the State of Ohio, from which I hail, to undermine collective bargaining for public employees. In my State, Ohio Senate Bill 5 is a measure currently under consideration by the Ohio General Assembly that would strip State workers of their collective bargaining rights. Today, this bill was approved by the Senate's Insurance, Commerce and Labor Committee. It now moves to the State Senate floor for a final vote, which could begin as early as today. This vote comes after Ohio State and local union workers gathered in protest yesterday at the statehouse. Just yesterday, more than 8,500 people surrounded the statehouse to express their disapproval. I firmly support the right of public employees to collectively negotiate. Who are we as a Nation when we tell our firefighters, our police officers, and other public protectors that they don't deserve a say in their working conditions?
