DIVISION LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVE

Duties and Responsibilities

I. General. The duties of the Division Legislative Representative are to further the political objectives of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. These objectives include: a) working for more healthful and sanitary conditions on locomotives; b) stimulating the political education of BLE&T members; c) coordinating the activities of our membership in each state to present a united front; d) supporting legislation which will benefit our members and oppose legislation that is not in our best interest; and d) fostering the ideals and high standards of organized labor.

II. The Legislative Process. Part of being an effective Division Legislative Representative is to become familiar with and have an in-depth understanding of your State Legislature and the legislative process. This includes, but is not limited to, being knowledgeable in the following areas:

1. The legislative working days in your State's Legislature.

2. The process of a bill becoming a law.

3. The leadership in the Legislature, as well as the Legislators most actively involved in our issue areas.

4. Key committees and committee assignments.

5. The dynamics that underlie the committee system and the importance of the leadership in the legislature.

III. Informing and Organizing. One of the most important responsibilities of a Division Legislative Representative is to make sure all the members of your division are properly informed of legislation and potential legislation that may affect their jobs and letting them know what they can do to mobilize and become involved in the legislative process. There are several ways this can be accomplished.

1. Make sure you give a legislative report at your Division meetings. If you are unable to, be sure to have an alternate submit your report. The legislative report should at consists of: a) a brief summary and update of the pending legislation that you are currently tracking; b) the names of the Legislators who are actively involved with our issues, and c) how the pending legislation will affect our craft and finally; d) the course of action BLE&T members should take to oppose or support certain legislation (i.e., letter writing campaigns, placing phone call, etc.).

2. It is also important that you act as an information resource for your Division members. This should include posting all information and updates received from your State Chairman or the National Legislative Office on bulletin boards for all members to read as well as making important announcements at Division meetings.

IV. Telling a Legislator What You Think. Letter writing is one of the most effective and persuasive forms of lobbying because you, the voter, are taking the time to express your viewpoint. Legislators respond much better to workers' concerns when they know that you are concerned and informed about their voting records at all times - not just during an election year.

Legislators are making decisions every day which affect union members and their families - decision on inflation, taxes, energy, education, transportation, fair wages, consumer and environmental protection. Legislators are hearing from the Chamber of Commerce, the rail industry, utility companies, bankers, real estate brokers and other interest groups who do not always have your best interest in mind. One of the best ways to defend ourselves against this kind of lobbying is by writing.

Tips for Writing to Your Elected Representatives

1. Address it Properly

For United States Congress:

Representative ______________
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Senator ____________________
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

For State Senate, Delegate or Assembly members:

Write to them in care of your State Capitol

For Local Officials:

Write to them in care of their city, town or county government addresses, which can be found in your local phone book.

2. Identify Yourself

Be sure to mention the state, congressional or legislative district, city or county in which you are a voter, mention that you are a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.

3. Be Specific

When writing about legislation, use the bill number (H.R. 10, S.B. 100, etc.) or the title (the Labor Law Reform bill; the White tax reform measure) if you know them. If not, briefly describe the issue that concerns you.

4. Be Timely

Write when the issue is current, not after a key vote has been taken.

5. Explain Your Position

It does not take an expert to predict the impact of legislation. As a worker, a taxpayer, or a consumer, say in your own words, how the bill or amendment will affect you and members of the BLE&T. Do not forget that a bill can change as it moves through the legislative process, so urge your legislator to oppose crippling amendments of support strengthening ones.

6. Finally, Ask For A Response

Urge your legislator to take action - support or oppose a bill, cosponsor an amendment or whatever action you would like taken. Request a reply to your letter. This information will be helpful to the lobbying efforts of your local or international union, central labor council, and state or national AFL-CIO. V. BLE&T-PAC. Finally, it is vital to the political strength of the BLE&T to have a strong, effective political action committee. A strong BLE&T-PAC gives us a powerful voice in the political process to: elect politicians who will respond to our interests; influence legislation and regulations to take our concerns into account; and stop those who try to take away our jobs, harm rail safety or infringe upon our rights as workers.

As a Division Legislative Representative, it is important that you are a member of the BLE&T-PAC and continue to recruit new members. The BLE&T-PAC will continue to be one of the best ways to protect our jobs and advance pro-rail labor policies. It is no secret that politicians listen more to those who are the strongest and the loudest.

VI. In Summary. The work you do as a Division Legislative Representative is critical. It is important that we are knowledgeable and active in State Legislature; that we keep our members informed so that they may become responsibly active in the political process; and that we are organized, with a strong political action committee at the state and national level so that the BLE&T is a voice that continues to be heard.