Correspondence and Notices Pertaining to the Chinese

.AM~· I A£ DJJ c::ti,L., Chinese Progressive Association/'Norl

February 22, 1989

Dear Friends:

We hope you can attend the "kickoff meeting" of the Unemployed Rights Campaign. On Wednesday, March 15, workers, advocates, labor leaders and community organizations will come together and join the fight to mend the safety net for the unemployed. We will discuss two pieces of reform legislation which will be reviewed by the Commerce and Labor Committee in April. Even if you can't join us at the "kickoff", we hope that you will pledge your support for these two bills.

The Campaign was initiated by immigrant women workers from Boston Chinatown, where the unemployment rate for Chinatown women workers doubles that of women workers in the City of Boston. Chinatown, like many communities across the state, has been deeply affected by the economy's shift toward the service sector. We know that the current unemployment insurance safety net is full of holes. The Chinese Progressive Association Workers Center, the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union, Greater Boston Legal Services, and the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute have launched a coordinated campaign of legislative action and negotiation to improve the unemployment insurance system.

The State currently provides no interpreting staff or translated materials for limited English speakiag workers at the Department of Employrr1ent and Training (DET). Asian, Latino, Haitian, and Cape Verdean workers are often sent to the back of the unemployment lines or lose out on necessary benefits because of unequal access to the proper information. Linguistic minorities contribute to society and pay taxes; they deserve equal access to government services. "An Act To Provide An Interpreter System" (H. 4467, S. 74) would mandate the provision of translation services for limited-English speaking clients.

Legislation has also been filed to improve unemployment coverage for lower paid, underemployed and seasonal workers. The current structure of the state's jobless insurance system leaves some laid-off workers with as little as $30 a week in unemployment insurance benefits! "An Act To Provide Fair Unemployment Compensation" (H. 4469, S. 98) would update eligibility requirements and benefit ceilings and create a graduated benefit scale to improve coverage of the lower income worker.

We urge you to join us in these efforts. Enclosed is more information about the two bills and how you can help. For more information about the kickoff, please contact Lydia Lowe at 357-4499.

~e~~~ ~ ~j Paula Yuen Chau Wah Tang d For the Unemployed Rights Campaign

.,..... 103 Come to the Unemployed Rights Campaign Kickoff Meeting! Ensure equal access to unemployment benefits for language minorities! Adequate coverage for the low-income, seasonal, and underemployed!

'ug , D.~ \ Knsti1 ,.J w~ f Cleanq 1ion Local ,Aees ,rs' li nt1 local 26 AFL - CIO •Cn~ _.---American \ion of :1 Municipal Employees 1489•Women tor Economic Jusd , for Cor·. :d South lE nd Settlements•Melvin lHL King• JH[ arvarrl ~ 1erical anJ. rs•Rosaria Salerno•Service Employees' i nternational , I 'ch of the! fUnited Auto Workers District 65•ILGWU/New Engl! bow Coalit\ ·,or Union Women•KLGWU/New England Region ~~tiona! L ad ~ - rrs' Union•South lEnd Neighborhood Service Centei \chusetts ~ ·ee Advocacy•Chinese Progressive Association W(; 1•Massachu\ /''Oniitlb,, \fi J«Uu!e'O

tiers' A li nter ~ f>nal Uni ~ l \ r _ '), ion ' f St\ \ Council ~ ni " f ~ · sJ l fo Comt 'Y Actionj .v~: ~~ K\ i , leric an~d f hnical ~ )'R \uployees' r ch the ed Communit ;Jn -dct /-1Eng :; 6S•xu;·/ . oalition of Lai or -...... __ • OW alif ~-U/New··· England ). ,1on ~ t Garment Workers' / Neighborhood Service Cent• g ant and Refugee 1 Progressive Association W 1 L R - - I ps aw eform 1n11 ,111 Legal Services::>Laundry ternational Union ': ·\qot.el, Restaurant lE l ee al Union Local Life/Vida Urbana• :u Council and Munic '· ~omen for h! Action•United ')ielvin H. 1rd ~t hn;r.al Work l§..m _1 .\'C 8• ~ *Learn first-hand about issues facing unemployed workers *Meet other supporters of unemployment reform legislation *Find out how you can help

Wednesday at the Chinese Progressive Association March 15th 27 Beach Street, 3rd floor 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Boston Chinatown

Mend the safety net! Equal access to benefits! For more information, call 357-4499. An Act To Provide Fair Unemployment Compensation The current unemployment insurance system no longer serves the needs of many unemployed workers. Benefit levels are outdated and particularly inadequate for the low-income workforce, seasonal workers, and those affected by work slowdowns. Formulas for calculating unemployment insurance have not been updated for 50 years. With the rising cost of living and shifts in the economy, many workers have lost the safety net that unemployment insurance once represented.

*Mei Yin Ng worked in the garment industry for 16 years. She and her husband managed to raise two children and make a decent living until work began to slow down at the factory. Due to underemployment in the year before layoff, she received only $34 a week in unemployment insurance! After 16 years of hard work, she felt she deserved more!

*Rolando Suarez worked 37 hours a week at minimum wage. He had a hard enough time making a living before. After he lost his job, he barely survived on unemployment benefits of $70 a week.

*Sandra White received $64 a week when she lost her job. Although she had two children to raise, her $25 per child dependency allowance was cut in half because of her low benefit level. She thought to herself, if my unemployment check is low, I need the money for my children more, not less! But at least she received some support for the children; her coworkers with husbands received nothing at all!

These are real-life situations under the current law. Names have been changed.

THE ACT TO PROVIDE FAIR UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION (H. 4469, S. 98) SEEKS TO: 1) Reform eligibility criteria to include more of the low wage workforce, seasonal workers, and those displaced by plant closings, 2) Provide fairer benefit levels to low income workers through creation of a graduated benefit scale, 3) End discrimination against low-income and large families by raising ceilings on the $25 per child dependency allowance, 4) End discrimination against women workers with children by reforming dependency allowance eligibility requirements, 5) Update the parttime benefit formula which discourages unemployment recipients from working parttime as an alternative to unemployment.

Endorsers and sponsors: Am. Fed. of State, County & Municipal Employees 1489 International Ladies' Garment Workers' Uni on Suzanne Bump, Massachusetts House of Representatives Melvin H. King John P. Burke, Massachusetts Senate Labor Page Center for Community Action Laundry/Dry Cleaning Int'l Union Local 66 Chinese Progressive Association/Workers Center William MacLean, Massachusetts Senate Church of the United Community Massachusetts Labor Support Project Coalition of Labor Union Women Massachusetts Law Reform Institute Nicholas Costello, Massachusetts Senate Mujeres Unidas en Accion Salvatore F. DiMasi, Massachusetts House of Representatives Rainbow Coalition Robert Durand, Massachusetts House of Representatives Byron Rushing, Mass. House of Representatives Greater Boston Legal Services Service Employees' Int'l Union 509 Sherwood Guernsey, Massachusetts House of Representatives Service Employees' Int'l Union 1475 Kevin Honan, Massachusetts House of Representatives Peter Webber, Massachusetts Senate Harvard University Clerical & Technical Workers' Union Women for Economic Justice Hotel/Restaurant Employees' & Bartenders Union Local 26 United Auto Workers District 65

For more information or a copy of the entire act, please call 357-4499 (CPA Workers Center) or 357- 5757 x2225 (Greater Boston Legal Services). FACT SHEET

S. 74 H.

AN ACT TO PROVIDE AN INTERPRETER SYSTEM FOR ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING AND TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO THE UNEMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS.

Sponsors: Senators N. Costello, E. Burke, P. White, Representatives K. Blanchette, S. Bump, J. Mcintyre, R. Durant, J. Mackey

Committee: Commerce and Labor

Hearing: April 5, 1989, at 10:00 A.M. at the State House, Rm B1

Present Law: The Massachusetts Employment Security law provides a right to an administrative hearing to challenge a decision on a claim for unemployment benefits. The hearing is to be conducted in accordance with due process requirements including the opportunity to produce evidence, offer oral testimony, examine and cross-examine witnesses. If any party cannot communicate effectively in English the Department of Employment and Training ("DET") is to stay the proceeding until the party is able to find someone to interpret for him.

By failing to provide skilled interpreters for indigent parties, the present law does not adequately protect the due process rights of non-English speaking individuals to offer evidence and testimony and to understand, confront and cross examine witnesses against him. Without the means to obtain the services of a skilled interpreter, such individual must rely on the best efforts of a family member, friend or neighbor or make his own best efforts to be understood. An unskilled family member or friend often is not sufficiently fluent in two languages or, through inexperience, simply may not be able to interpret adequately. Generally he does not fully understand the nature of the proceeding or his role and he may be intimidated by the unfamiliar proceeding. As a result, the party is obstructed from exercising his due process rights and is often denied benefits to which he is otherwise entitled because of a language barrier. In addition, present law does not provide the DET with standards or procedures for determining the role and use of an interpreter in an administrative proceeding.

What This Bill Does: The bill will create a system for providing interpreters in administrative proceedings before the Department of Employment and Training to those individuals who are without financial means to obtain a qualified interpreter. It defines the qualifications of an interpreter and establishes a standard for the conduct and use of interpreters in administrative proceedings. It also establishes procedures for the approval and removal for cause of interpreters from a list established and maintained by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance. The bill will also require the Department of Employment and Training to hire bilingual personnel at the local service offices to provide services to non-English speaking claimants filing initial claims. At present, non-English speakers are denied equal access to unemployment programs because the Department has not hired sufficient bilingual personnel to service such claimants.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ruth Diaz-Aguilar Greater Boston Legal Services 278 Broadway Chelsea, MA 02150 (617) 884-7568

Leonor Suarez Greater Boston Legal Services 68 Essex St. Boston, MA 02111 (617) 357-5757, ext 2998 Date ------Tel. #______Name ------Organization------Address ------

I/our organization support the Unemployed Rights Campaign!

Please provide us with more information.

List our organization as an endorser of the Act To Provide Fair Unemployment Compensation (H. 4469, S. 98)

List our organization as an endorser of the Act To Provide An Interpreter System at DET (H.4467, S.74)

We will send a representative to the campaign kickoff meeting 3/15.

We will attend the Commerce and Labor Hearings on April 5.

We plan to testify about unemployment insurance reform. Bill#------We will visit a member of the Commerce and Labor Committee before April 5 to urge their support of bill # Rep/Sen------

We will telephone the Commerce and Labor chairpersons. Bill #------We will write to the Commerce and Labor Committee and to our own legislators to urge the committee's passage of bill #______

We want to distribute fact sheets to our members and constituents.

Please return this form to:

Lydia Lowe Chinese Progressive Association Workers Center 27 Beach Street #3B Boston, MA 02111 (617) 357-4499 Excerpted from Lobbyjn~ On A Shoestrjn~ by Judith C. Meredith and Linda Myer

WRITING TO YOUR LEGISLATOR

The "ideal" letters are called "Mom and Pop" or "God bless you" letters--and politicians pay attention to them because they appear to be sincere and spontaneous correspondence from ordinary people who more often than not seem to sign off with a heartfelt God Bless You. So much for cynical politicians. Your job is to write a sincere unspontaneous letter that will get you and your legislator on the record in favor of your bill.

When drafting your letter, be sure to include these important points: 1) Describe the writer's identity, address, and personal interest in the issue. 2) Identify the bill by number, title, and current status. 3) Ask the legislator to put him/herself on the record by doing something specific (voting, wntmg a letter of support to the committee or committee chair). 4) Ask the legislator to respond to the writer.

The address is the same for all legislators: State House Boston, MA 02133

The correct salutations are: Ron. Joe Palooka Ron. Andy Capp Massachusetts Senate House of Representatives Dear Sen. Palooka: Dear Rep. Capp:

CALLING YOUR LEGISLATOR

1) Let your legislator know you are a consituent. Give your name, address, and phone number. If you are representing an organization, give the name of the organization. 2) Know the bill number, title, and where it is in the legislative process. Both the Unemployment Compensation Bill (H. 4469, S. 98) and the DET Interpreter Bill (H. 4467, S. 74 ) are scheduled for review by the Commerce and Labor Committee on April 5. 3) You are calling to make sure Sen./Rep. ______knows about the bill and is prepared to vote for it when it comes before them. 4) You want an answer. If the answer is yes--thank you. If the answer is undecided, ask if they need any more factual information. If the answer is no, ask if there is any factual information missing that might change the legislator's mind. If the conversation is with an aide, ask the aide's name. Ask the legislator or aide to let you know if and when the legislator changes or makes up his mind. You do have a right to know. 5) Whatever the answer is, make sure the information gets back to Nina Hayes at 262-3285.

SENATE COMMERCE AND LABOR COMMITTEE: Lois G. Pines (D-Newton), Committee Chairperson William Q. MacLean, Jr. (D-Fairhaven) r Nicholas Costello (D-Amesbury) Paul D. Harold (D-Quincy) Robert D. Wetmore (D-Barre)

HOUSE COMMERCE AND LABOR COMMITTEE: / Marilyn L. Travinski (D-Southbridge), Chairperson Suzanne M. Bump (D-Braintree) Frances F. Alexander (D-Beverly) ~ Denis Lawrence (D-New Bedford) , Sherwood Guernsey (D-Williamstown) / Robert A. Durand (D-Marlborough) David P. Magnani (D-Framingham) Daniel E. Bosley (D-N. Adams) Stephen M. Brewer (D-Barre) Peter B. Morin (R-Barnstable) Peter I. Blute (R-Shrewsbury) IVICl~~· IU~~LL::, vldLt:; 1989 ' SENATE

ROOM : TEL: ROOM: TEL : 722- 722-

Albano, Salvatore R. (D-Somerville) • 423 1578 Kirby, Edward P. (R-Whitman) 413H 1330 .Aieixo, The~dore J., Jr. (D-Taunton). 216 1551 Kraus, Richard A. (D-Arlington) 312 1432 Amick, Carol C. (D-Bedford) 413E 1572 'Lees, Brian (R-Easthampton) 517 1291 '3arrett, Michael (D-Cambridge) 405 1280 Lewis, Arthur Joseph, Jr. (D-Boston). 506 1348 Berry, Frederick E. (D-Peabody) • 4130 l!JlO Lccke, David H. · (R-Wellesley) 306 1555 Bertonazzl, Louis P. (D-Milford) • 511 1420 LoPresti, Michael (D-Boston) 413A 1634 Boverini, Walter J. (D-Lynn) 333 1350 Maclean, William Q,, Jr. (D-Fairhaven) 513 lLIIJO Brennan, John A., Jr. (D-Malden). 319 166!: McGovern, Patricia (D-Lawrence) 212 1481 Buell, Robert C. (R-Boxford) 321 1600 Melconian, Linda J. (D-Springfield). SOLI 1660 Bulger, William M. (D-Boston) President 330 1500 Norton, Thomas C. (D-Fall River) 407 1114 Burke, Edward L. (D-Framlngham) . 413C 1640 Olver, John W. (D-Amherst) 511 1532 Burke, John P. (D-Holyoke) 416C 11J15 · Owens, Bill (D-Roxbury) 31 Lj 1673 Cellucci, Argeo Paul (R-Hudson) .• 520 1120 Padula, Mary L. (R-Lunenburg). 416A 1230 Costello, Nicholas J. (D-Amesbury). 217 1605 Pines, Lois G. (D-Newton) 421 1639 ·Creedon, Michael (D-Brockton) 413G 1200 .Rauschenbach, Henri (R-Brewster) . 413F 1570 Doris, Francis D. (D-Revere) ..•• 31 5 1650 Sheehy, Paul J. (D-Lowell) 213C 1630 Golden, William B. (D-Weymouth) •. 416B 1646 Webber, Peter C. (R-Pittsfield). 313 1625 Harold, Paul D. (D-Quincy) 507 1494 Wetmore, Robert D. (D-Barre) 409 1540 Houston, John Patrick (D-Worcester). 213B 1485 White, Thomas P. (D-Worcester). 511:! 1544 Keating, William R. (D-Sharon) ... 4138 1222 ,.. · i.Yhite, W. Paul ( D-Dorchester) . 309 1643 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Alexander, Frances F. (D-Beverly). 167M 2692 Driscoll, John R. (R-Northbridge) 548 2178 Alexander, Lawrence R. (D-Marblehead). 540 2090 Durand, Robert A. (D-Marlborouah) 478 2250 Ambler, Robert 8. (D-Weymouth) 167E 2692 Emilio, Frank A. (D-Haverhill) ·· 468 2915 Angelo, Steven (D-Saugus) 473F 2210 Fiero, Patricia G. (D-Gioucester) .. 540 2090 Antonionl, Robert A. (D-Leominster) . 257 2588 Finneran, Thomas M. (D-Boston) . 112 2370 Bartley, John C. (D-Watertown) 163 2225 Fitzgerald, Kevin W. (D-Boston) 38 2!170 Beckwith, Geoffrey C. (D-Reading) 236 2430 Flaherty, Charles F. (D-Cambridge) 3113 2600 Binienda, John J. (D-Worcester) 473B 2230 Flaherty, Michael F. (D-S. Boston) . 138 2396 Blanchette, Kevin P. (D-Lawrence) 40 2240 Flood, John H. (D-Canton) 236 211 30 Blute, Peter I. (R-Shrewsbury) 146 2560 Flynn, William J., Jr. (0-Hanover) 166 2900 Bohigian, Robert J. (D-Worcester) 237 2380 Forman, Peter (R-Piymouth) 40 2240 Bosley, Daniel E. (D-N. Adams) 43 2030 Fox, Gloria (D-Roxbury) 540 2090 Bourque, George J. (D-Fitchburg) 134 2400 Galvin, William F. (D-Boston) 472 2120 Bradford, John C. (R-Rochester) . 'iLIO 2090 Gardner, Barbara (D-Holliston) . 473F 2210 Brett, James T. (D-Dorchester) 166 2900 George, John (D-Dartmouth) 257 2~38 Brewer, Stephen M. (D-Barre) . 257 2044 Gibson, Mary Jane (D-Belmont) . 370 2200 Buell, Carmen D. (D-Greenfieid) 436 2140 Giglio, Anthony P. (D-Medford) 257 2478 Bump, Suzanne M. (D-Braintree) . 443 2460 Giordano, Larry F. (D-Methuen) 34 2320 Burgess, Edward 5., Jr. (D-Brockton) 257 2239 Gladis, William J. (D-Worcester) 236 2!130 Businaer, John A. (D-Brookline) · 26 2080 Grace, Augusto F. (D-Burlington) 443 2460 Cahir: Thomas S. (D-Bourne) 443 2460 Gray, Barbara E. (R-Framingham) 237 2380 Cahoon, Howard C. , J r ( D-Chatham) 167 2692 Guernsey, Sherwood (D-Williamstown) . 437 2130 Caron, Paul E. (D-Springfield) 36 2552 Harkins, Llda (D-Needham) 257 27611 Casey, Paul C. (D-Winchester) 257 2800 Havern, Robert A. (D-Arlington). 467 2227 2017 Catjakis, Athan (D-Springfield). 437 2130 Hayes, Robert Emmet (D-Whitman) 1189 2060 Cerasoli, Robert A. (D-Quincy). 146 2560 Healy, Jonathan L. (R-Chariemont) . 33 34 2320 Ciampa, Vincent (D-Somerville) . 257 2612 Hermann, Joseph N. (D-N. Andover) . 33 2060 Clapprood, Marjorie A. (D-Sharon) 146 2560 Herren, Albert (D-Fall River) 5418 2100 Clark, Forrester A. ,Jr. (R-Hamilton). 443 21160 Hicks, Lucile P. (R-Wayland) 436 2140 Cleven, Carol C. (R-Chelmsford) 36 2552 Hildt, Barbara (D-Amesbury) · 33 2060 Cohen, David B. (D-Newton) 446 2410 Hodgkins, Christopher J. (D-Lee) 275 2676 Collaro, Andrew (D-Worcester) 167F 2692 Holland, Iris K. (R-Longmeadow) · 33 2060 Connolly, Joseph M. (D-Natick). 472 2120 Honan, Kevin G. (D-Brighton) 26 2080 Constantino, William, Jr. (R-Ciinton) . 541B 2976 Hornblower, Augusta (R-Groton) · 11738 2230 Correia, Robert (D-Fall River) 367 2300 Howarth, Robert L. (R-Springfield) ll73F 22 10 Cox, John F. (D-lowell) •. 254 2220 Hynes, Frank M. (D-Marshfield) 166 2900 Decas, Charles N. (R-Wareham) 237 2380 Jakubowicz, Robert Frank (D-Pittsfield) · SilO 2090 DeFilippl, Walter A. (R-W. Springfield) 237 2380 Jordan, Raymond, Jr. (0-Springfield) ~81 2960 DiMasi, Salvatore F. (D-Boston) 138 2396 Karol, Stephen J. (D-Attleboro) 167L 2692 Doran, Stephen W. (D-Lexington). 472 2120 Kei"'ooe, Marie-Louise (D-Dedham) - REP~ESENTATIVES ROOM : TE L : RE P. RESENTATIVES ROOM: T EL : 722- 722 - Kennedy, Thomas P. (D-Brockton) 170 2146 Paleologos, Nicholas A. CO-Woburn) 117 3G 2070 Keverian, George (D-Everett) Speaker . 358 2500 Palumbo, Thomas G. CR-Newbury) 42 23 70 Koczera, Robert (0-New Bedford} 257 2155 Parente, Marie J. CO-Milford) 1678 2692 Kollios, Paul (D-MIIIbury) 1136 21110 Petrolatl, Thomas M. (D-Ludlow) 146 257 5 Kraus, Robert (R-Kingston) 257 2256 Pierce, Steven D. CR-Westfield) 448 2100 Lambert, Edward (D-Fall River) . 257 2177 Poirier, Kevin CR-N. Attleboro) 4118 2100 Landers, Patrick F., Ill (D-Palmer) 1311 21100 Ranieri, Daniel J. (D-Belllngham) 1311 21100 Lawrence, Denis CD-New Bedford) 1116 2560 Rea, Michael J., Jr. CO-Billerica). 146 25 82 Lelacheur, Edward A. CD- Lowell) 1116 2582 Reinstein, William G. (D-Revere) · 254 2220 Lemanski, Kenneth M. CD-ChiCQpee} 237 2380 Rohan, Robert J. CO-Holyoke) 237 2380 Lewis, Jacqueline CR-Bridgewater) 35 2 320 Roosevelt, Mark (D-Boston) 1173C 2070 Loring, John H. CR-Acton) 5110 2090 Rosenberg, Stanley C. CO-Amherst) 473F 2210 Lozzi , Vincent J. CD- Lynn) 277 29110 Rourke, Susan F. (0-Lowell) 146 2582 MacGovern, John F. CR-Harvard) · 1173F 2210 Ruane, J. Michael CD-Salem) 237 2380 Mackey, Jo:.eph K. CD-Somerville) 138 2396 Rushing, Byron CO-Boston) 167K 2692 Maqnani, David P. CO-Framingham)· 113 2030 Saggese, Alfred E •• Jr . CO-Winthrop). 155 2883 Mandile, Anthony CD-Waltham) 1311 21100 Scaccia, Angelo M. (0-Boston) 251 2393 Mann, Charles W. CR-Hanson) · 1189B 2017 Schur , Susan D. CO-Newton) 275 26 76 Manning, M. Joseph CO-Milton) • 167 2692 Scibelli. Anthony M. CD-Sprlngfleld)· 2 38 2380 Mara, Francis G. CO-Brockton) · 2511 2220 Serra, Emanuel Gus (0-Boston) 26 208 0 Marsh, Robert H. CR-Wellesley) 1116 2575 Suhoski, Chester A. (0-Gardner) 427 28 02 McDonough, John E. {0-Boston) 4116 2130 Sullivan, Gregory W. CO-Norwood) · 42 2 370 McGee, Thomas W. {0-Lynn) 171 2784 Teague, Edward B., Ill CR-Yarmouth) · 257 2 781 Mclnlyre, Joseph {0-Ncw Bedford). 11116 2410 Thompson, Alvin (0-Cambrldge) 2:>7 2245 McKenna, Mary Jane CR-Holden) 51118 2100 Tisei, Richard R. CR-Wakefield) 472 2120 McNeil, John C. CO - Malden) 1137 2130 Tobin , Arthur Stephen CO-Quincy). 257 2587 Menard, Joan M. CO-Somerset) 167 2692 Torkildsen, Peter C. (R-Danvers) 236 2430 Merced, Nelson {0-Dorchester) • 257 2543 Travlnski, Marilyn L. CO-Southbridge) 43 2030 Miceli, James R. CO-Wilmington) 237 2 380 Travis, Philip CO-Rehobeth) 134 2400 Moore, RichardT. (0-Uxbridge) 16 7J 2692 Trombley, Peter G. (0-Waltham) 42 7 2802 Morin, Peter B. CR-Barnstable) 113 2030 Tucker, Susan C. (D-Andover) 473C 2070 Morrissey, Michael W. (0-Quincy) 473B 2230 Turkington, Eric {0-Falmouth) · 257 22 48 Murray, Mary Jeanette (R-Cohasset) 1311 2400 Vellucci, Peter A. {0-Cambridge) · 5110 20 90 Myerson, Eleanor CO-Brookline) 110 22110 Vernon, William B. CR-Mansfleld) 1143 2460 Nagle, William P., Jr. CO-Northampton) 167D 2692 Voke, Richard A. {D-Chelsea) 243 2990 O'Brien, Shannon P. CO-Easthampton) 2511 2220 Walrath, Patricia A. {0-Stow) 237 2380 O'Leary , Timothy F. CO-Melrose). 138 2396 Walsh, Marian {0-West Roxbury) 257 2918 O'Sullivan, Kevin CO-Worcester) 146 2575 Walsh, Michael P. (0-Aqawam) 33 2060 Owens-Hicks, Shirley {0- Boston). 473G 2070 Walsh, Thomas P. (D-Peabody) . 163 2226 Pacheco, Marc CO-Taunton) 257 2670 Woodward, Francis H. {0-Walpole) 254 2220 COMMITTEES Post Audit & Oversight, House 146 722-2575 Banks and Banking 42 722-2370 Post Audit & Oversight, Senate 216 722-1252 Bills in Third Reading, House 446 722-21110 Public Safety • • • • 473B 722-2230 Bills in Third Reading, Senate. 722-1470 200 Public Service. • • • IJO 722-2240 Commerce and Labor 43 722-2030 Rules, House. . • .. 167 722-2692 Counties .. 33 722-2060 Rules, Senate • • . . '131 722-1520 Criminal Justice 166 722-2900 State Administration 34 722-2320 Education • • • 473G 722-2070 Steering & Polley, Senate 413B 722- 1222 Election Laws • 26 722-2080 Taxation. • • • • • • 236 722-2'130 Energy ••••• 540 722-2090 Transportation. 4'13 722-2460 Ethics, House •. 163 722-2040 Ways r. Means, House 238 722-2380 Ethics, Senate. 216 722-1551 Ways & Means, Senate 212 722-1481 Federal Financial Assistance 156 722-2256 Government Regulations • • '172 722-2120 INFORMATION OFFICES Health Care . 437 722-2130 House Clerk ••••• 145 722-2356 Housing & Urban Development 38 722-2470 House Lobby and Information 350 722 - 2000 Human Services & Elderly Affairs 436 722-2140 Senate Clerk ••• 208 722-1276 Insurance • 251t 722-2220 Senate Lobby and Information 300 722-1455 Judiciary (House staff) 138 722-2396 Legislative Documents Room 1128 722-2860 . Judiciary (Senate staff) 219 722-165'1 Hearing Impaired Info. (TTY /TTD) 237 722 - 2659 Local A ffal rs • . • 13'1 722-2400 State Bookstore. 116 727-2834 Natural Resources • 473F 722- 2210 Citizens Information Service • 727-7030 Personnel & Administration, House. 146 722-2582 (outside Boston, toll-free) 1-BOO- 392- 6090

MAIL ADDRESS FOR ALL LEGISLATORS AND COMMITTEES : .L LEGISLATIVE TELEPHONES ARE AREA CODE (617) AND BEGIN WITH THE EXCHANGE 722- STATE HOUSE BOSTON, MA 02133

' 1989, rev. Jan. IJ CPPAX EDUCATION FUND ' Ingle copy : FRE E bulk copies I 5¢ ~WEST STREET. 5th FLOOA. BOSTON. MASS. 02111 labels : $4. /sec TEL.fPHO"..E' I" ·. . 1;?6· ~2 ~ l ...1J,.. ~l} 4:1- ~ /'- 1\l'J ~ 0 CHINESE PROGRESSIVE A5SOCIA !I01\l 27 Be~ct, ;t• 'f.:t, 3,ll/Fl Boston, MA 02111 Jtf. ;ti iJt -± tf. ·~ L,<. ~ 2 i fit .::_ ft:. SAMPLE LETIER TO SUPPORT A MINIMUM UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT

January 29, 1991

Hon. William Bulger (Hon. Charles Flaherty, or your own Sen./Rep.) Senate President (Speaker of the House) Mass~chusetts State House Boston, MA 02133

Dear Sen. Bulger (Rep. Flaherty):

I am writing to support an increase in employer-paid taxes to prevent bankruptcy of the unemployment insurance trust fund. This is a wiser and more compassionate route than cutting benefits and borrowing from the federal government.

I also wish to remind you of the plight of the unemployed low-income worker. During November of 1990, 14.5 percent of unemployment insurance claimants received a weekly benefit amount of $1 00 or less. Why do we have a maximum ceiling on unemployment compensation but no minimum to guarantee a decent safety net?

As you may recall, a proposal to update unemployment benefits for the low-income sector was supported by the legislature's Commerce and Labor Committee, the Department of Employment and Training, the state AFL CIO, and the Associated Industries of Massachusetts last year. We thank you for your support and leadership on this issue, and urge that you act quickly to save the unemployment trust fund and establish a minimum unemployment benefit for the low-income sector.

Sincerely,

Your Name Your Organization Cliinese Progressive Jlssociation / Work!rs Center 164 Linco[nStreet,2ruf:J{oor, 13oston, ~ 02111 (617} 357-4499 January 21, 1991

Dear Friend of the Unemployed Rights Campaign:

We are now into our third year of efforts to raise unemployment benefit levels for low-income workers. Last year, we gained the support of the AFL-CIO, then-DET Commissioner Jim French, and the Associated Industries of Massachusetts, who proposed a Minimum Unemployment Benefit to address the low-income sector.

This year we will continue to support the Minimum Unemployment Benefit concept, and have refiled An Act To Provide Fair Unemployment Compensation (copy enclosed). With the unempioyment trust fund due to run dry in March, we will again be asking that a Minimum Unemployment Benefit be a part of any proposal to raise employer taxes and prevent bankruptcy of the unemployment fund. We have had the support of both House and Senate leadership on this issue, but, as you know, Governor Weld supports cutting benefits and no new taxes.

Now is an important time to write to the House and Senate leadership, as well as to your own representative and senator, to express your concern about the unemployment trust fund and the suffering of unemployed low-income workers. Enclosed is a sample letter for your organization/union and a shorter sample letter for individuals or members. Please take the time to write now.

Sincerely, j£e~ 1f /,11 d£1' Cliinese Progressive J'lssociation / WorRgrs Center 164 Linco{nStreet, 2ruf:TCoor, '13oston, ~ 02111 (617} 357-4499

January 28, 1991

Hon. William Bulger Senate President Massachusetts State House Boston, MA 02133

Dear Sen. Bulger:

I am writing to support an increase in employer-paid taxes to prevent barucruptcy of the unemployment insurance trust fund, and to thank you again for your concern for lmv-income workers. Putting money into the unemployment fund today certainly seems wiser and more compassionate than cutting benefits and borrowing from the federal government.

As we described in our meeting last fall, the unemployed low-income worker faces the most difficult situation. During November of last year, 14.5 percent of unemployment insurance claimants received a weekly benefit amount of $100 or less. With most unemployed facing longer periods of unemployment, basic survival is increasingly difficult.

As you may recall, the proposal to create a Minimum Unemployment Benefit was supported by the state AFL-CIO, then-Commission of DET Jim French, and the Associated Industries of Massachusetts last year. There was also strong support from members of the Commerce and Labor Committee. We hope that as attention is focused on the problem of the unemployment trust fund the plight of low-income unemployed workers will be addressed this year.

We thank you for your concern and support in this issue, particularly in these difficult political and economic times. If we can offer any information or assistance required by your office, please feel free to call us.

d~L ~ia M. Lowe Administrative Director

cc: N. Hayes, Meredith & Assoc. M. Halas, GBLS Chinese Progressive Jtssociation / Wor~rs Center 164 Linco{nStreet, 2rufJ{oor, 'Boston,~ 02111 (617}357-4499

January 28, 1991

Hon. Charles Flaherty Speal

Dear Rep. Flaherty:

I am writing to support an increase in employer-paid taxes to prevent banl

I also wish to remind you of the plight .of the unemployed low-income worker. During November of last year, some 14.5% of all unemployment insurance claimants received a weekly benefit amount of $100 or less.

We appreciate your support and sponsorship last year of the proposal to update unemployment benefits for the low-income sector. As you may recall, the pro posal was supported by the Commerce and Labor Committee. A similar proposal to establish a Minimum Unemployment Benefit was supported by then-Commissioner French of DET, the state AFL-CIO, and the Associated Industries of Massachusetts. We hope that as attention focuses again on the problem of the unemployment trust fund, the problems of the low-income unemployed will be addressed this year.

We thank you for your support and leadership on this issue, and urge that you act quickly to save the unemployment trust fund and establish a Minimum Unemployment Benefit for the low-income sector.

SinC~L t~ M. Lowe Administrative Director cc: N. Hayes, Meredith & Assoc. M. Halas, Greater Boston Legal Services

M"l. 103 Cliinese Progressive Jlssociation / Work?rs Center 164 Linco{nStreet, 2ndJ{oor, 'Boston, ~ 02111 (61 7} 357-4499

January 29, 1991 Dear Friends: Massachusetts unemployment is rising daily. But our communities, immigrants and communities of color. reached an unemployment crisis before the recession.

As the safety net erodes, our communities are hit the hardest. The unemployment insurance fund is due for bankruptcy in March. "Remedial funds" used to provide English as a Second Language or adult basic education have been depleted. Faced with budget cuts, job counseling agencies are forced to prioritize clients wb.o face no barriers to employment and are therefore more quickly served. Where will our community members find jobs?

It is in this context that we invite you to participate in a series of coalition-building meetings to talk about these issues. We are a small group of organizations and agencies in Chinatown who came together for a br-ainstorming session in December. and decided to reach out to other community groups around the area. At the first meeting, on February 7. we will focus on understanding the job training system and how/where funds are allocated. Susan Motika from the Greater Boston Legal Services, who has been researching this issue, will be available to present information. At our second meeting, we would like to begin strategizing together on how we can have an impact on job training and job development policies. Please come to the first meeting to begin building a coalition for training and jobs: Thursday, February 7 2:30 - 4:30p.m. · at the Quincy Community School 885 Washington Street in Chinatown aM

~~aJHon. ------~~ Massachusetts State House Boston, Massachusetts 02133

~~Dear ______

:W-t!b A laid-off worker .has only the safety net that unemployment compensation offers and the hope of another job. But fifty percent of a low income is nothing. Please help to put money into the unemployment fund, and create a Minimum Unemployment Benefit for low-income laid-off workers.

Thanl<: you.

Sincerely,

~ ------

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1fkl*-1ht a:J *--t-~~J D ~~! SAMPLE LETTER FOR A MINIMUM UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT (Short Version for Individuals)

Your Address City, State and Zip Code

January 29, 1991

Hon. (Your Representative or Senator) Massachusetts State House Boston, MA 02133

Dear Rep./Sen.

A laid-off worker has only unemployment insurance and the hope of another job. Fifty percent of a low income is next to nothing. Please help to put money into the unemployment fund, and create a Minimum Unemployment Benefit for low-income workers.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Your Name 45 Rindge Avenue Cambridge, MA 02140

January 29, 1991

Hon. Charles Flaherty Speaker of the House Massachusetts State House Boston, MA 02133

Dear Rep. Flaherty:

I am writing to support an increase in employer-paid taxes which fund the state's unemployment insurance benefits. With the rising rate of unemploy ment, now is not the time to cut laid-off workers' benefits. The alternative to raising taxes--borrowing from the federal government-~ .is economically foolish, since the state would then pay interest on such a loan.

I am also aware that a bill to establish a Minimum Unemployment Benefit (An Act To Provide Fair Unemployment Compensation) has been filed. This proposal would offer an increased unemployment benefit level to the low-income unemployed 'worker--those with the least cushion. I urge you to support this proposal and to include this issue in your agenda for action on the unemployment insurance system. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Frank Mark SAMPLE LETTER TO SUPPORT A MINIMUM UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT

January 29, 1991

Hon. William Bulger (Hon. Charles Flaherty, or your own Sen./Rep.) Senate President (Speaker of the House) Mass~chusetts State House Boston, MA 02133

Dear Sen. Bulger (Rep. Flaherty):

Sincerely,

Your Name Your Organization SAMPLE LETIER FOR A MINIMUM UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT (Short Version for Individuals)

Your Addre~s City, State alild Zip Code

Hon. (Your Representative or Senator) Massachusetts Sta e House Boston, MA 02133 /

Dear Rep./Sen.

A laid-off worker ~employment insurance and the hope of another job. Fifty perc~ of a low income is next to nothing. Please help to put money into the unemployment fund, and create a Minimum Unemployment B)Jlefit for low-income workers.

Thank you. // Si~,

Your Name 3 Hollis Park Cambridge, MA 02140

January 29, 1991

Han. Charles Flaherty Speaker of the House Massachusetts State House Boston, MA 02133

Dear Rep. Flaherty:

I am writing to support an increase in employer-paid taxes which fund the state's unemployment benefits, and to urge the creation of a Minimum Unemployment Benefit for the low-income unemployed.

Now is not the time to cut back anyone's unemployment benefits, with r1s1ng unemployment and longer periods of searching for work. Those who need the safety net the most are the low-income workforce, who cannot survive decently on 5~/o of their previous income.

I urge your action on these two important issues, and request any updates on legislative action in this area. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Frederick Hom Dow Field Offices: Southeastern Mass. Office 21 South Sixth St. DLC New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 996-8576 Voice and TTY 1-800-244-9023 Disability Law Center, Inc. 11 925 Western Mass. Office Beacon Street, Suite 22 Green St. Boston, Massachusetts 02108 Northampton, MA 01060 (413) 584-6337 (617) 723-8455 VoiceandTTY (413) 586-6024 TTY 1-800-872-9992 1-800-222-5619

February 1, 1991

Representative Marc Draisen Massachusetts State House Boston, MA 02133

RE: Minimum Employment Benefit for Low Income Workers

Dear Representative Draisen: I am writing as an advocate as well as a r e sident of Brookline. Please support an increase in employer-paid taxes to prevent bankruptcy of the unemployment insurance trust fund. This is a wiser and more compassionate route than cutting benefits and borrowing from the federal government. A laid-off worker has only unemployment insurance and the hope of another job. Fifty percent of a low income person's wages is next to nothing. Please help to put money into the unemployment fund, and create a Minimum Unemployment Benefit for low-income workers.

Thank you for doing the right thing.

~~e~,& ~~ETH·R~ Staff Attorney

A UNITED WAY AGENCY