The daughter of a union family, Hilda is widely considered to be one of the strongest supporters of America's workers and the labor movement in the House of Representatives. She fervently believes that unions are vital to the health and strength of America's communities, allowing workers, the backbone of our nation, to stand up for themselves and their families.
Protecting the Right to Organize
Time and time again, Hilda has stated that the strength of the national economy is directly linked to the ability of America's workers to organize. For this reason, Hilda proudly cast a "yay" vote in favor of H.R. 800, the Employee Free Choice Act, a bill that restores the right of workers to form a union.
For too long, President Bush and his Republican allies in Congress have assisted corporate special interests as they disenfranchised millions of Americans who were trying to secure a better life for their families. Now in the majority, Hilda will continue to keep her promise to working families and protect the right to organize.
Defending Rights at Work
Hilda staunchly supports strong protections for all employees in their places of work. In Congress, she tirelessly defends the 40-hour work week and overtime pay requirements against the constant attacks by the corporate wing of the Republican Party. She was proud to vote with her Democratic colleagues in the House to pass a federal minimum wage increase for working families in the first 100 hours of the new Democratic majority.
One's place of employment must be a safe and healthy place to work. Hilda supports legislation that strengthens existing standards for working conditions and advocates for additional funding for the U.S. Department of Labor to combat poor working environments.
Re-Establishing a Right to Work
Irresponsible fiscal policies by the Bush Administration and their Republican allies in Congress have resulted in record levels of unemployment.
Hilda supports legislation that takes on the sluggish economy by creating an economic environment that supports an individual's right to job that pays a family-sustaining wage.
Hilda calls for a permanent new tax break for businesses to encourage the creation of good-paying jobs that stay in the United States. She supports a tax credit for businesses as an incentive to hire individuals who have been out of work for at least six months. Creating a tax credit will get people out of unemployment by rewarding companies that hire new workers.
In addition, she supports extending unemployment benefits to the millions of Americans who are out of work despite their continued job search.
Supporting Fair Trade, Not Free Trade
Hilda only supports responsible U.S. trade policies that are fair to working families within the U.S. and abroad. She avidly opposes all trade agreements that do not include strong labor, environmental, and human rights protections.
Her track record in the House of Representatives reflects her strong support for Fair Trade policies. She was a leading opponent of the United States - Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) because it would contribute to the rapid job loss within the United States and further the decline of working and environmental conditions in the Amercas. In addition, she staunchly opposes granting President Bush "fast track" trade negotiating authority, an authority that would effectively silence Fair Trade proponents in Congress.
Standing Up for the Middle Class
Hilda supports a wide range of proactive policies that support middle class families across the nation. She strongly rejects the fiscal mismanagement of President Bush and opposes tax cuts for the wealthiest 1%.
Hilda advocates stimulating the economy by putting spending money back in the pockets of consumers- average Americans- through broad middle class tax cuts.
In addition, she supports providing small businesses with the resources and tools necessary to ensure their success. Small businesses, not Wal-Mart or ExxonMobile, generate the jobs and investments necessary to get the American economy back on track and maintain a sustainable middle class. As an influential member of the Democratic majority, Hilda will continue to stand up to the Bush Aministration and his big business allies to fight for small, family businesses through pro-growth policies that actually result in growth and economic sustainability.