I cannot tell you or the membership who to vote for. I can help educate. The International Office sends out a political newsletter monthly, I urge you to read it. The information is important year-round, not just during election season. If there are any questions on any of the info in the newsletter do not hesitate to reach out to me. Its intention is to let you know what is happening in current politics that affects labor, and specifically the IBEW. We have been lucky that for the last year and a half, efforts at the federal level have been very positive for us, and labor.

As we are now only a few weeks away from elections, I want to make sure that everyone is aware of what is at stake. This is not about the ‘R’ or ‘D’ in front of a candidate’s name. This is about the fact that we have the most union supportive administration in all of history. Supporting candidates that do not vote with us on our issues, and do not vote for working people will lead to the demise of further accomplishments. Accomplishments that directly affect IBEW members. And we certainly don’t want make enemies of those that have supported us over the years.

Besides the labor friendly appointments and nominations, administrative actions, and executive orders that significantly help labor issues and create stronger unions, the current administration has passed substantial legislation.

The Inflation Reduction Act will create work opportunities for tens of thousands of IBEW members, including in traditional power generation. It also modifies the Internal Revenue Code to allow new production tax credits for existing nuclear plants.

The Infrastructure Bill includes a $6 billion Civil Nuclear Credit Program. The nuclear credit program supports the continued operation of U.S. nuclear reactors. It provides $11 billion in grants for states, tribes, and utilities to enhance the resilience of the electric infrastructure, $700 Million in existing hydropower facilities. It invests hundreds of millions in workforce development and establishes a multi-agency Energy Jobs Council to work with stakeholders and oversee the development and release of energy jobs and workforce data to inform decisions by governments, businesses, and other stakeholders (like unions) at the national, state, and local level.

These are just a few examples of many, that affect the utility industry. If you would like more information please contact me.

Although we do have republican friends, if they take the majority this winter, we will not have enough labor friends to continue passing legislation that benefits us. And we may even see rollbacks in current legislation, like we have in the past.

As we talk about the state elections, remember that Lee Zeldin only voted for working people 14% of the time in 2021 as a congressman. At one time he was seen as a more middle of the road republican, voting up to 50% of the time for working people, still not great but someone we could work with. But over the years he has left those ideals behind. That is not someone that we can put our trust in, to make sure the working people in NY are put first.

Please make sure you are looking at voting records and doing research so that you know you are making informed decisions. Remember, decisions have consequences.

Thank you.