New at NELP

Washington, DC Office Opens
On October 17th, Judy Conti will open a new office as NELP’s Federal Advocacy Coordinator.   Judy joins NELP after serving as the founding director of the D.C. Employment Justice Center and as a lobbyist for the law firm James and Hoffman.

NELP Seeks Executive Director
In September, NELP’s Bruce Herman accepted an appointment as Governor Spitzer’s Deputy Commissioner of Labor for Federal Programs. Now, NELP is seeking a new leader to carry its advocacy to the next level.

NELP Press

“Tax loophole hurts misclassified workers,” Chicago Sun-Times, September 15, 2007 (Op-Ed by Senators Barack Obama and Dick Durbin)

“Illegal workers face new federal offensive," Seattle Times, August 31, 2007

“Displaced workers get help,” Cincinnati Enquirer, August 31, 2007

“30 immigrants on bikes deliver a labor revolt,” Washington Post, August 25, 2007

“Minimum wage called elusive for some,” Los Angeles Times, July 24, 2007

“FTC asked to check background checks for railroad workers,” Washington Post, July 12, 2007

NELP Highlights

Washington – Action Opportunities
NELP’s pro-active federal advocacy has continued to grow, as Congress is taking up several major policy proposals benefiting working families. Please contact NELP to find out ways to help push these key priorities.

• The Independent Contractor Proper Classification Act of 2007, S.2044, introduced on September 12, 2007 would close a loophole in federal tax law that allows employers to misclassify workers as independent contractors instead of as employees.

• The Unemployment Insurance Modernization Act S. 1871 / H.R. 2233 would provide states with $7 billion in funds to fill gaps in the unemployment system. Currently, the program only provides support to one of out three Americans who are looking for work.

• Major proposals to reauthorize the Trade Adjustment Assistance program would significantly expand retraining assistance, health care and income support available to workers who have lost their jobs through trade.

Second Chance Victory in Sacramento
NELP was the leading advocate for a new policy adopted by the California State Assembly that will reduce barriers to occupational licenses. The new rules establish the right to review and correct a criminal background check, and direct state boards to assume that individuals with expunged records are rehabilitated unless the government can prove otherwise.  The second chance agenda is attracting major interest in Washington as well.

Protecting Immigrants / Protecting Us All
With immigration reform stalled, the Administration is turning to harsh tactics that will worsen the lives of immigrant workers and reward businesses who operate in the underground economy. NELP has taken a leading role in regional efforts to stop the Social Security Administration from being used as a tool for immigration enforcement, and continues to push for state policies that protect all those at work in America.

Minimum Wage Increase?
In July, the first stage of a much-awaited increase to the federal minimum wage became law. As described in this NELP Op-Ed on Tompaine.com, the increase will be a false promise unless government agencies partner with advocates to enforce wage standards.