Issue Position: Labor

Issue Position

Raúl believes that our federal policies must nurture innovation and technological advancements that position our nation's workforce at the forefront of the green jobs movement. The transition to cleaner alternative energy and the rebuilding of our manufacturing base here in the United States are questions of national welfare. He supports climate legislation not only to protect vulnerable landscapes and populations, but as a spur to energy efficiency and a new generation of economic opportunities. Raúl continues to be a close partner with the labor movement and a strong advocate for workers' rights in Washington.

Raúl is an original cosponsor of the following bills during the 111th Congress, which began Jan. 6, 2009, except the Public Lands Service Corps Act, which he wrote and offered, and the Protecting America's Workers Act, of which he is a cosponsor.

Public Lands Service Corps Act -- To expand the authorization of the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, and the Interior to provide service opportunities for young Americans; help restore the nation's natural, cultural, historic, archaeological, recreational and scenic resources; train a new generation of public land managers and enthusiasts; and promote the value of public service.

Serve America Act -- Comprehensively upgraded the nation's public service laws and offered new programs for young people who wish to serve in a variety of capacities.

Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act -- To clarify that a discriminatory compensation decision or other practice that is unlawful under such Acts occurs each time compensation is paid pursuant to the discriminatory compensation decision or other practice.

Paycheck Fairness Act -- To provide more effective remedies to victims of discrimination in the payment of wages on the basis of sex.

Let Wall Street Pay for the Restoration of Main Street Act -- To impose a tax on certain securities transactions to fund job creation and deficit reduction.

Working for Adequate Gains for Employment in Services (WAGES) Act -- To amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to establish a base minimum wage for tipped employees.

AgJOBS Act -- To improve agricultural job opportunities, benefits, and security for non-permanent residents in the United States.

Balancing Act -- To improve the lives of working families by providing family and medical need assistance, child care assistance, in-school and afterschool assistance, family care assistance, and encouraging the establishment of family-friendly workplaces.

Employment Non-Discrimination Act -- To prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act -- Provides the same family benefits to lesbian and gay federal civilian employees as are already provided to employees with different-sex spouses. To receive benefits, employees would have to submit an affidavit of eligibility for benefits with the Office of Personnel Management, certifying that the employee and domestic partner meet necessary criteria.

Protecting America's Workers Act -- To amend the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to expand coverage, to increase protections for whistleblowers, and to increase penalties for certain violators.

New Deal for a New Economy Act -- To establish the New Economy Grant Program through the Department of Labor to create public works jobs on State and local lands and community-based public interest projects, to direct aid to State and local governments for the retention and rehiring of certain public employees, and provide direct aid to the Departments of Agriculture and Interior to create public works jobs to address their deferred maintenance items.

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