Health care on their minds

by Carissa Lovelace—Kentucky

This evening I spoke to a woman who was about to turn 81 years old, but looked more like she was about to turn 55. When asked her most important issue, she responded, “Health care.” She went on to say that, as an 81 year old, she felt lucky to be in such perfect health. She added that she was apprehensive about the day she would need expensive prescription drugs. She had seen many of her closest friends struggle with the costs, often with no assistance from the government. Some of them actually had to go without their medication. I responded that prescription drug costs were one of the biggest concerns of the labor-endorsed candidate for governor, Steve Beshear, and that he had vowed to not only assist the elderly community, but would ensure that every child in Kentucky was insured as well. After hearing this, she seemed convinced Beshear was the right choice because of our endorsement.

Paid for by AFL-CIO Committee on Political Education Treasury Fund.

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The West End

by JB Arnett—Kentucky

Last night I talked to a concerned citizen from the West End of Louisville named Anthony. He was disturbed that every commercial and political appearance this campaign season had taken place in middle to upper income level areas, with none in the West End. He made it obvious that health care coverage and jobs were vital to his part of town and that something needed to be done.

Anthony invited both candidates for governor here in Kentucky to his neighborhood, to discuss these and other issues. He also thanked me for my hard work and effort in support of who he considered the best candidate, Steve Beshear. The last and most important thing he said was that, while he understood the West End wasn’t the greatest or richest place in Louisville, every person deserves a chance to be heard. So let’s give the West End a chance!

Paid for by AFL-CIO Committee on Political Education Treasury Fund.

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Labor walks in the bluegrass state

by Tim Robertson — Kentucky

The Working America office here in Louisville, KY, was fortunate enough to participate in the first labor walk of this election season. Highlighted speakers included the Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, Richard Trumka, and the labor-endorsed candidate for governor of Kentucky, Steve Beshear. Both stopped in with our Working America delegation to shake hands and introduce themselves, which was quite an honor. State president Bill Londrigan announced our presence to the crowd, as well as our total of more than 39,000 new Working America members to a raucous ovation from the union members in attendance. It was a great time, and very inspiring to see how much our work is appreciated by everyone in the labor movement.

Paid for by AFL-CIO Committee on Political Education Treasury Fund.

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