The Republican Party’s opening theme for their convention was "Opportunity with a Purpose: Leave No Child Behind." But George W. Bush’s record in Texas tells a very different story.

Regardless of how much money they’ve spent on this made-for-TV production or how many minority children they have flown in to improve their photo-ops, the fact remains that George W. Bush and Dick Cheney’s records do not match their rhetoric on children.

Once the American people find out the facts on what Bush hasn’t done for children and what he has done to the environment in Texas, the only one who will be left behind, will be George W. Bush.

. Texas is ranked first in the nation in industrial pollution.

. Texas is one of the worst states in the nation in which to raise a child: currently ranked 48^th down from 29th in 1995

. Texas allowed more than 1 million children eligible for school lunch programs to go unserved.

. Texas is second in the nation for the number of children living in poverty.

. Texas is home to 1.4 million uninsured children.

. Bush fought efforts to expand health care coverage to 220,000 low-income Texas Children.

. 600,000 low-income Texas children are eligible for medicaid, but have not been enrolled in the program, in part because of cumbersome administrative procedures.

Bush invited some of the states’ biggest polluters – who coincidentally also happened to be some of the biggest donors to the gubernatorial campaign – to help write voluntary environmental laws in Texas. Under Bush, Houston is now the smog capital of the United States. Bush even appointed a chemical company lobbyist to enforce the state’s environmental laws.

And then there’s Dick Cheney. Cheney’s record on children’s health issues is no better than Bush’s.

. Cheney voted against child nutrition programs, including the school lunch programs, nine times.

. Cheney voted against allowing kids age 5 and under to access Medicaid.

Everyone knows that Cheney was the C.E.O. of Halliburton Energy but many may not know that Halliburton is the parent company of Brown and Root. Need I say more??

None of these facts were raised that night. And that’s proof that this convention was about style over substance, rhetoric over record and about pulling the wool over the voters’ eyes.

Stephen R. Williams
Business Manager

"U" Are The Most Important Part Of "U"NION!!!

AMERICA’S NOT FOR SALE!

The first primary has just been completed and many are probably already tired of the political campaign ads on TV, in the newspaper and on the roadside signs. It would be unfortunate if this leads to apathy on the part of our members and other voters.

The fall campaign is just getting started and you can expect to see and hear much more of the same and even more negative campaign ads. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, business interests outspent labor interests in the last elections by 17 to 1. During the last election cycle (1996), labor gave only $60 million out of a total of $1.6 billion raised. So far in 1999-2000 business has outspent labor $521 million to $35 million.

Business interests and the very wealthy obviously have much more money to spend on their candidates, who they expect to look out for their interests and turn their backs on the interests of working families.

Working families do not have the financial strength of Corporate America, but we do have strength in numbers. Those driven by greed, especially corporate greed, are selling out American working families. Let’s show them that AMERICA’S NOT FOR SALE!

We have referred to the importance of voting and getting registered if you have not already done so. Many are either working out of state or working long hours and may not make it to the polls for whatever reason. Please do not let this be a reason not to vote. Absentee ballots are an easy way to vote and are available upon request for registered voters who will be unable to visit the polls. Ballots may be ordered by calling or e-mailing the Supervisor of Elections, Volusia County, or by completing an absentee ballot request form.

We have enclosed a ballot request form in this issue and will list the necessary information below. Please take advantage of this system, as your vote is very important.

Let’s not let corporate America buy this election, AMERICA’S NOT FOR SALE!

Bill Sweeney

Organizer

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John and Catherine Marshall
are the proud parents of a son
Brett Robert Marshall – May 31, 2000

Jeff and Brooke Black
are the proud parents of a daughter
Kayla Janae Black – June 20, 2000

Glenn and Lori Cooke
are the proud parents of twin sons
Brenton and Dylan Cooke – June 30, 2000

Christian and Mary McCoy
are the proud parents of a daughter
Lauren Elizabeth McCoy – June 30, 2000

                                                 Larry and Kim Smith
                                                  are the proud parents of a daughter
                                                 Katie Ann Smith – June 30, 2000

                                                Scott and Denise Wilkinson
                                                  are the proud parents of a daughter
                                                 Molly Elizabeth Wilkinson – August 22, 2000

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Thanks to Brother Bob Murphy for designing and purchasing our new 16 ft. banner for use on large projects during topping out or media releases at the Cape. Thanks again, Bob for all of your contributions to the local union.

Dates to Remember:

Thoughts from your New Apprenticeship Director:

I would like to sincerely thank everyone for such a warm welcome these past two months. I look forward to your participation, input, suggestions and ideas. With your help, I hope to continue the excellent work of Mr. Holmes Davis and our predecessors.

As you know, the Daytona Beach Electrical JATC holds the key to success for a workforce preparing to compete not only locally, but also in a global economy. The Area Joint Apprenticeship Committee, its Instructors, as well as myself are truly dedicated to training, teaching and learning through the time-honored traditions of apprenticeship.

The Journeyman plays such a critical role in helping us achieve our mission, primarily through their day-to-day contact and passing their many years of experience and knowledge along to our apprentices. By being a positive role model for our apprentices, we can encourage them to work hard and be productive members to the trade. The joint efforts of the IBEW and NECA are a reflection of the commitment of our sponsors to be major players in helping the Apprentice Program be successful in turning out a highly skilled workforce for the future.

Please know that my 30 years with the IBEW and NECA have been very good to me and I hope to repay all of you with my hard work, dedication, and devotion to a trade that I highly respect and admire.

Gail Jackson

Training Director

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We have regrettably lost one of our Brothers since the last issue of the Sidecutter.

David L. Dodge, Sr. July 15, 2000

He will surely be missed. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family.

Continuing Education Courses available:
For information contact Holmes Davis, Training Director 756-2776.

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INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF
ELECTRICAL WORKERS
LOCAL UNION NO. 756
5901 Airport Rd.
Daytona Beach, Florida 32124
904-756-2756
FAX 904-756-2785
info@ibew756.com

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Lloyd Davis
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