Resolution Would Make Corrupt Giveaways More Difficult
Major Union Calls for Corporate Welfare Reform
| The resolution below was recently adopted by the national convention of the million-member American Federation of Teachers. Although it does not totally oppose all corporate welfare, it's still a good step in the right direction and will help to make corporate welfare a bigger issue in the 2000 election season. |
Resolution #52 -- Corporate Welfare Reform
Whereas, businesses and organizations often are granted subsidies and incentives by government entities in the form of tax breaks, grants and loans to generate economic development; and
Whereas, businesses and organizations that receive public subsidies often provide little measurable benefit to the public in return and often cost the taxpayer up to $100,000 for each job they create; and
Whereas, state and local economies often suffer when tax revenue is exchanged for a promise from companies of new jobs; and
Whereas, these subsidies often have no oversight or monitoring to determine if jobs actually are created or whether the created jobs meet minimum labor standards; and
Whereas, taxpayers have a right to know if their investment in job creation programs is working; and
Whereas, state and local government employees lose money when the tax base is diminished;
Resolved, that the AFT join the AFL-CIO in demanding "corporate welfare reform," including annual company-specific disclosure, money-back guarantees, "clawbacks" and other safeguards to make subsidies more transparent, accountable, and effective; and
Resolved, that AFT assist locals in monitoring subsidy programs to protect the long-term interests of all members.
Originally Submitted by: Administrative and Residual Employees Union, Local 4200
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