Public Comments for 01/30/2024 Labor and Commerce
HB228 - Virginia Consumer Protection Act; recycling information on products.
See attached. Opposed to H. 228, in re: labeling.
AMERIPEN – the American Institute for Packaging and the Environment – appreciates the opportunity to provide the attached written testimony on House Bill 228 (Cole) that would ban recyclability claims and labels on product containers and packaging by creating a Virginia-specific recyclable mandate. AMERIPEN supports policies that improve recycling, consumer education and moves materials into circularity. HB 228 will unfortunately result in more – not less – packaging materials going to disposal in Virginia. Additionally, HB 228 sets a negative precedent for all recyclable materials, as it will deprive consumers of useful information about how to recycle packaging. We are therefore opposed to HB 228 as drafted and we urge the House Labor and Commerce Committee to oppose its passage.
AMERIPEN – the American Institute for Packaging and the Environment – appreciates the opportunity to provide testimony on House Bill 228 (Cole) that would ban recyclability claims and labels on product containers and packaging by creating a Virginia-specific recyclable mandate. AMERIPEN supports policies that improve recycling, consumer education and moves materials into circularity. HB 228 will unfortunately result in more – not less – packaging materials going to disposal in Virginia. Additionally, HB 228 sets a negative precedent for all recyclable materials, as it will deprive consumers of useful information about how to recycle packaging.
See attached.
As a young Virginian citizen, I have seen these misleading recycling practices in action my whole life. It is misleading to many individuals and their intent to help the environment. As a Virginian I truly believe this must be changed.
I support HB 228, the Recycling Truth in Labeling bill, as a first step effort to reduce the scourge of plastic that befouls our land and waterways. I live in the Town of Vienna and am often confused about what I should or should not throw in the recycling bin. Do I take a chance and throw an article in the recycling bin that might slow down the sorting process or otherwise contaminate the recyclable materials stream, or do I instead throw the questionable item in the trash and add to the solid waste stream? Clarity please! I prefer a more restrictive bill, one that limits the production of plastic consumer products and packaging and instead requires the manufacturing of consumer products and packaging using glass, metals, and paper or other compostable and biodegradable materials. This bill simplifies recycling for consumers and is a worthwhile first step. Lea Giovanniello – Town of Vienna
I believe that many corporations in Virginia practice misleading recycling practices, and these practices are extremely harmful to the environment and promote the deception of consumers and employees. When I worked at Starbucks, they would often promote the benefits of recycling, but in actuallity, don't differentiate between recycling and trash and would throw both out in the trash. This is very harmful to the environment and isn't in line with ethical guidelines that companies should be following and as a Virginia citizen, I strongly believe this needs to change as soon as possible.
Support HB 228 Recycling symbols on products that are not recyclable leads to “wishcycling”, where people place a questionable item into their recycling bin in hopes it will be recycled. HB 228 works to address this issue. HB 228 will prohibit manufactures from using the chasing arrows recycling symbol on products unless it is actually recyclable in that locality or region. The bill will also require Virginia to compile a list of recyclable materials in the Commonwealth. Why we support HB 228 1. Consumers have the right to know if the products they are using are recyclable or not. However, many plastic manufacturers have been overusing the recycling symbol to make their products seem sustainable even if they’re not. 2. When consumers place items in the recycling bin, they don’t get much assurance that their products are recycled. Once their items are hauled away, Virginians do not know if those items end up landfilled, recycled into a similar product or shipped overseas to be dealt with elsewhere. 3. Virginians should be able to look up if a product is recyclable and know where it goes to be processed and recycled. 4. HB 228 is critical in determining what is recyclable in Virginia and provides consumers with assurance that their items are being recycled here in Virginia. 5. Virginia needs to modernize recycling. A critical step in modernizing recycling is knowing what materials are being used, disposed and managed. Consumers currently have no assurance that what they recycle is recycled.
Supporting a bill against misleading recycling practices is important to safeguard the integrity of recycling efforts. When companies inaccurately label products as recyclable, it disrupts the recycling process and misguides consumers. Such deceptive practices can lead to contamination in recycling streams, hindering the overall effectiveness of recycling initiatives. Legislation in this regard becomes a vital tool to establish clear guidelines and hold businesses accountable for accurate labeling. By implementing standards and penalizing misleading claims, the proposed bill ensures a transparent communication of recyclability information, contributing to the efficiency of recycling systems. Beyond consumer clarity, the bill promotes responsible corporate behavior. Companies should be incentivized to adopt truthful practices regarding the recyclability of their products. This not only strengthens consumer trust but also encourages businesses to embrace sustainable packaging solutions. In essence, supporting this bill is a proactive step towards fostering a more reliable and effective recycling culture. It aligns businesses with responsible practices, empowers consumers with accurate information, and contributes to a healthier, more sustainable environment. Your support can make a significant difference in advancing this essential legislation.
As a Virginia citizen, I have seen these misleading recycling practices in action my whole life. Not only is it bad for the environment, it promotes deception of consumers and employees. Some places, like Starbucks, go as far as to plaster signs about the benefits of recycling, even though the recycling just gets thrown in the dumpster along with the trash. This harms the environment, but also the companies/organizations’ relationships with their customers. I have seen this in my workplace, school districts, and countless businesses. I strongly believe that this needs to change.
A bill against greenwashing matters because it keeps companies honest. When businesses exaggerate their environmental friendliness, it messes with consumer trust and puts genuine eco-friendly efforts at a disadvantage. By having rules in place, we level the playing field, making sure companies walk the talk on sustainability. This isn't just about consumers – it's also crucial for fair competition among businesses. Plus, it's a win for the environment. Clear rules prevent companies from diverting attention and resources with false green claims. We want businesses to focus on real, measurable sustainability, not just empty marketing. It's good for the planet and pushes us towards a greener future. This affects investors too. With more people putting money into environmentally responsible companies, greenwashing becomes a big risk. Having a bill means companies have to be transparent about their eco-credentials, helping investors make informed choices. In a nutshell, a bill on greenwashing is about keeping it real – for consumers, businesses, the environment, and investors. It's a step towards a green and honest future.
As a Virginia citizen, I have seen these misleading recycling practices in action my whole life. Not only is it bad for the environment, it promotes deception of consumers and employees. Some places, like Starbucks, go as far as to plaster signs about the benefits of recycling, even though the recycling just gets thrown in the dumpster along with the trash. This harms the environment, but also the companies/organizations’ relationships with their customers. I have seen this in my workplace, school districts, and countless businesses. As a Virginian, I strongly believe that this needs to change.
Vote YES on HB228 HB 228 will prohibit manufactures from using the chasing arrows recycling symbol ♻️ on products unless it is actually recyclable in that locality or region. The bill will also require Virginia to compile a list of recyclable materials in the Commonwealth. REASONS TO SUPPORT: ● Consumers have the right to know if the products they are using are genuinely recyclable or not. However, many plastic manufacturers have been overusing the recycling symbol to make their products seem sustainable even if they’re not. ● When consumers place items in the recycling bin, they don’t get much assurance that their products are recycled. Once their items are hauled away, Virginians do not know if those items end up landfilled, recycled into a similar product, or shipped overseas to be dealt with elsewhere. ● Virginians should be able to look up if a product is recyclable and know where it goes to be processed and recycled. ● HB 228 is critical in determining what is recyclable in Virginia and provides consumers with assurance that their items are being recycled here in Virginia. ● Virginia needs to modernize recycling. A critical step in modernizing recycling is knowing what materials are being used, disposed, and managed. Consumers currently have no assurance that what they recycle is recycled.
Hello -- I am writing today in support of HB228, the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. I grew up with curbside recycling programs, so they were just something one did, without much thought. When the soda can was empty, or the yogurt tub, you cleaned it out, put it in the bin, and it went away. Over the past few years the curtain has been pulled back. With China's Operation National Sword in 2017, suddenly we had to deal with all of our own trash, instead of shipping it off for poorer nations to deal with. And then: rising costs meant curbside recycling programs across the country were scaled back, as they were in Fairfax County, or eliminated altogether. And then, alarming facts began to emerge: less than 10% of plastic was actually getting recycled, most of it only once or twice. NPR published several articles in the past 5 years suggesting Big Oil knew all along that recycling was never a solution for plastics, it was merely a campaign that made the public feel better. I have had so many conversations with friends and neighbors, people who really want to do the correct thing, but have no idea. Greenwashing is pervasive. I cannot count how many people are surprised when I inform them the chasing arrows symbol simply denotes what type of plastic an item is made of, not that it was or can be recycled. Truly, I tell them, the best way to be sure is to avoid packaging as much as possible. Speaking from experience: that is often difficult, time-intensive, and more expensive. I have taken heart at the steps that the Commonwealth and my County have taken. Plastic bag taxes, robust websites outlining what can and cannot be recycled. Special bins to continue to collect glass since it's no longer accepted curbside. I am excited about HB228 in particular because I believe it will finally begin to put the onus on companies, rather than the consumer, and make it much easier for everyone to make more informed decisions. Just as we have nutrition labels to know what's in a food, we should be able to know how and if an item is being appropriately disposed of. I urge you to vote in support of HB228. Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony today. Best, Kelly Barrett 6421 Lyric Lane Falls Church VA 22044
Clean Fairfax strongly supports this bill which would vastly improve recycling in the Commonwealth. Right now, consumers are often faced with impossible amounts of competing information with regard to what is and isn't recyclable, and between greenwashing and wish-cycling (wishful recycling) too often end up making poor decisions. This affects the quality and quantity of recycling available to haulers for sale. This bill would ensure that what is sold in Virginia as a product that can be recycled (using the beloved "green chasing arrows" symbol) can actually be recycled in Virginia. The other part of this bill, creating and maintaining a database of recyclable items, would be a great first step in supporting the consumer, the environment, and the recycling industry by ensuring that what goes in the bin can be sold and not landfilled or incinerated. The mission of Clean Fairfax is to encourage environmental stewardship and urban sustainability in Fairfax County, Virginia through education, programming and community involvement. Clean Fairfax works on litter prevention efforts, promotes community cleanups and supports reducing, reusing and recycling. It also serves as a clearing house for environmental information in Fairfax County. Thank you for your consideration. Jen Cole Executive Director/Clean Fairfax, Fairfax County
HB277 - Consumer protection; transparency in ticket fees, civil penalties.
HB325 - Minimum wage and overtime wages; civil actions.
HB469 - Electric utilities; retail competition, aggregated competitive purchasers.
HB474 - Restroom Access Act; civil liability.
Hello!My name is Natela and I been struggling for so long finding affordable housing in Fairfax County,Virginia.I am 58 years old female who have a very low income.I contacted more then 500 places trying to find one bedroom apartment or private basement and all this places asking for income 3-3.5 times bigger then cost of apartment.Making any person who is trying to rent one bedroom apartment in Fairfax county need to make around 5-6000 dollars per month.How many percent of people having this high salary jobs?I DON’T. I’m making now 12.00 dollars per hour.This amount of money disqualified me from any housing I applied.My question to HUD and all other housing authorities WHAT ARE YOU SUGGESTING PEOPLE WITH LOW INCOME??????? WHAT WE NEED TO DO TO SURVIVE LIVING IN FAIRFAX AREA?HOUSING PRICES IS ASTRONOMICAL!GROCERY PRICES IS ASTRONOMICAL! ALL AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAMS ARE CLOSED.ALL WAITING LISTS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING CLOSED TO. I BET YOU ALL JUST DON’T CARE ABOUT US!
Fighting for a right to pee or poop with dignity (and without the whole world knowing) make people not want to shop, go out in public, or travel. All for fear- Is there going to be somewhere I can go to the bathroom? That is a very real fear, for many. My father hasn’t traveled to visit me in over a year for this very reason. I look at books like “Everybody poops” and I laugh, but I also cry because it has become such an emotional issue for me. Help myself and those that struggle like I do with their bladder and or bowel enjoy the freedoms of being in public again. Help take away some of that fear. Not everyone can tell their local UPS it is their right to pee; it is the law like I did- but that is why you represent us. You can tell these businesses. You can make it right; you have the power to make Virginia a place that stands for the rights of everyone and is a great place for those with disabilities to live. Everybody has a right to use the bathroom with dignity.
HB531 - Workers' compensation; injuries caused by repetitive and sustained physical stressors.
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Hi I am writing to you on behalf of The Well Connection UK, a media and publishing company. We could easily get virginia.gov featured in various publications such as magazines, online blogs and news sites. This would undoubtedly help virginia.gov with publicity, reputation, domain authority and organic search engine rankings. We have a wide range of options including completely free collaborations, sponsored posts, guest posts and banner ads. If this sounds of interest, please reach out to the senior business development manager, Anita at info@thewellconnection.co.uk and whatsapp +447395206515 (GMT) Kind regards Clifton Junior Outreach Assistant
Please pass HB531. It is a necessary bill which would help to provide relief to many Virginians suffering continuous non-qualifying injuries due to the repetitive nature of their occupations. According to the Society of Diagnostic Medicial Sonography, "Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) are painful injuries affecting muscles, nerves, ligaments and tendons of up to 90% of sonographers and other users of diagnostic medical sonography." Currently these injuries do not qualify for Worker's Compensation, despite them occurring as a direct result to a lack of education on the biomechanical risks, non-ergonomic room/equipment arraignments, and sonographers being pushed to do more patients at quicker paces. Proper room arraignment, ergonomic tables, ergonomic equipment, and proper scheduling with breaks can help mitigate these risks. Passing this bill would also encourage employers to educate and mitigate such biomechanical risks. Please support our Commonwealth's wonderful sonogoraphers by ensuring they qualify for workers compensation if they suffer a WRMSD due to injuries or diseases from conditions resulting from repetitive and sustained physical stressors. I urge you to pass this bill.
HB385: there’s an importance and safety to having two man crews.. safety for the company and the public.
HB569 - Employment discrimination; employee notification of federal and state statute of limitations.
HB707 - Consumer Data Protection Act; protections for children.
This is a written copy of my testimony in support of HB 707.
HB734 - Delivery network companies; portable benefit accounts.
HB736 - Veterans; examining practice of persons receiving compensation for providing certain services, etc.
I am Ken Wiseman and I am a Past State Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars here in Virginia. I also spent three and a half years as a VA accredited claims representative for the VFW. I am here tonight to represent the 40,000 members of the VFW and our Auxiliary. The Virginia VFW unanimously endorsed HB736 and we thank Delegate Sewell for bringing this forward. The VFW is committed to putting predatory Claim Sharks out of business, and our efforts in Virginia compliment VFW efforts in Congress. However, our bill in Congress has stalled as we are at an impasse against companies who bill veterans to secure their earned VA benefits. Today, we seek to at least protect veterans in Virginia with HB736. The VFW knows that companies, like Veterans Guardian, will bill thousands of dollars for their services. Their actions were banned recently in New Jersey. Veterans Guardian lost a case this month in federal court relating to that new law and they are being sued in North Carolina for unscrupulous behavior. Another group, “VA Claims Insider”, is being sued by the Texas Attorney General for defrauding veterans. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has issued fraud alerts because of the actions of companies billing veterans. Sadly, many more companies are out there, and they can be found all over social media seeking veterans and surviving military spouses to make money off of. Claim Sharks have formed a trade association, they are pursuing federal legislation to legitimize their bad behavior, and they are now hiring major lobbying firms from DC to fight against HB736. There are many professionals accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to help veterans and they do not bill for their services. There are VA accredited employees working for veteran organizations like the VFW, which has been doing benefit claims for over 100 years free of charge. There are also VA accredited attorneys and Virginia’s own Department of Veterans Services who do good work. Trial lawyers handle lawsuits for issues like contaminated water at Camp Lejune and they operate within federal guidelines. In addition to protecting veterans, we seek to protect the good actors like those I just named, and we are proud to have the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association as our ally and supporter of this bipartisan bill. The VFW asks that you unanimously adopt HB736 so that we can protect veterans and their loved ones. I am happy to take any questions considering my background having handled VA claims, and I again thank Delegate Sewell and our co-patrons for their support of this important legislation.
As an active duty spouse, I’ve seen the impacts of military service firsthand as they’ve affected my spouse and friends. Veterans have struggled through the claims process for years and should have access to more resources, not less. They should be able to choose who helps them, whether it’s a private firm or a VSO
This bill does not accomplish what the members have been led to believe. The members of this committee have been lied to, deceived and bullied into introducing a bill that does nothing to protect veterans. This bill, pushed by the VFW in particular, and backed by the trial bar, does nothing more than further destroy an already overloaded system. A few things not considered by the committee thus far - what specific evidence of fraud or taking advantage of veterans have the VFW or designers of this bill provided? Why have the Veteran Service Organizations not been challenged on their true capacity to assist veterans in VA? Why hasn't this committee asked for a true accounting of the number of unique service officers in VA from each of the VSOs? Why would VA lawmakers want to get into the middle of a clearly federal issue and limit the choices and options for VA veterans? The VFW in particular and other service organizations in general have lost this fight in DC and are now turning to the states and misleading well meaning state law makers. Similar legislation at the federal level has been defeated consistently for a variety of great reasons. States that are attempting to pass similar legislation are finding themselves in a legal battle for the First Amendment over their denial of a veteran's right to choose how they petition the government and freedom of association. This is a bad bill and a bad idea. This committee should not allow itself to be bullied and deceived by the VFW and other service organizations and should understand all sides of the issue before moving this bill forward.
As a former resident of Virginia Beach, and the spouse of a Navy Veteran, I urge you not to pass HB736. Government should not restrict options available to Veterans that are seeking help with their VA claims. While VSO's do offer a valuable service, they can not accommodate the needs of everyone that needs assistance. The system is confusing, and not knowing how to navigate it can delay much needed help. My husband sought the help of VSO's for years, only to be told they could not assist him. A private company was able to achieve the results the VSO's could not. His experience is not unique. Restricting veterans from choosing who they want to assist them is not offering them protection. Veterans need access to more resources, not less.
Dear Members of Labor and Commerce Subcommittee #2, I am writing to you today as a retired Army Officer and a former Virginia resident to express to you my concerns over the severely negative implications of HB736. I have utilized both the free Veteran Service Organization (VSO) and the private industry pathways in my protracted journey to obtain my rightful VA disability benefits. I can tell you that the VSOs can often do a decent job by assisting a Veteran with their initial claim immediately following discharge from the service. I can also tell you that the VSOs are not well positioned to nor interested in assisting a Veteran by following up with the more complicated secondary claims. This is where the private industry closes the gap to help Veterans obtain the benefits that they have earned. If HB736 were to become law in Virginia it would only serve to further restrict the ability of Veterans in Virginia to obtain disability benefits or increase them by cutting off their access to the professional services provided by private industry. Currently, the VA estimates that there are 691,325 Veterans living in Virginia. Of these, the VA is paying disability benefits to 230,843. This equates to only 33% of the Veteran population of Virginia receiving VA disability benefits. (Source: Veterans Benefits Administration: Annual Benefits Report Fiscal Year 2022, Page 60) Why is anyone in the Virginia General Assembly working towards making it more difficult for a veteran to obtain disability benefits? Why is anyone in the Virginia General Assembly working towards passing state laws that are a decidedly federal matter? Why is it that any American has a choice to utilize either free IRS assistance or can pay a private tax preparer to file their income taxes, but an American Veteran be relegated to not be able to seek private professional assistance with their VA disability claim? Respectfully, //signed// Ben Tipton Major (Retired), U.S. Army
My name is Stephanie Dexter and I am writing to express my strong opposition to House Bill 736. As a proud female combat veteran with 10 years of dedicated service in the United States Army, I am deeply concerned about the potential implications of this bill on the ability of veterans to obtain assistance with their VA disability claims. Having served our nation with honor and commitment, I personally understand the challenges that veterans often face when navigating the complexities of the VA disability claims process. My own navigation of the VA disability claims process was a stressful and confusing experience –one that is filled with bureaucratic red tape, confusing terminology for those not in the medical field, and an examination process that, for a parent with young children who have special needs and required constant supervision, was cumbersome and confusing. It is my firm belief that House Bill 736, if enacted, will introduce unnecessary hurdles and restrictions that may adversely affect veterans – especially the female veteran population seeking support in securing the benefits they rightfully deserve. Throughout my military career, I have witnessed firsthand the sacrifices made by my fellow servicemen and servicewomen. Many veterans rely on external assistance to navigate the intricate VA disability claims system, ensuring that they receive fair consideration for the physical and mental toll incurred during their service. House Bill 736, in its current form, appears to undermine the support systems available to veterans, potentially reducing their access to crucial assistance. I respectfully urge you to consider the impact that this bill may have on veterans like myself, who have dedicated their lives to the service of our great nation. It is essential to ensure that any legislation concerning veterans' affairs enhances, rather than hinders, their ability to obtain the assistance they need in securing VA disability benefits. I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss my concerns further and provide additional insights based on my experiences as a veteran. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I trust that you will carefully consider the potential consequences of House Bill 736 on our deserving veterans.
I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Robert M. Dexter LTC, US Army retired, and I am writing to express my strong opposition to House Bill 736. As a proud veteran with over 20 years of dedicated service in the United States Army, I am deeply concerned about the potential implications of this bill on the ability of veterans to obtain assistance with their VA disability claims. Having served our nation with honor and commitment, I understand the challenges that veterans often face when navigating the complexities of the VA disability claims process. It is my firm belief that House Bill 736, if enacted, will introduce unnecessary hurdles and restrictions that may adversely affect veterans seeking support in securing the benefits they rightfully deserve. I found the VA claim process to be extremely challenging and it was a major stress point to navigate during my transition from military to civilian life. Throughout my military career, I have witnessed firsthand the sacrifices made by my fellow servicemen and servicewomen. Many veterans rely on external assistance to navigate the intricate VA disability claims system, ensuring that they receive fair consideration for the physical and mental toll incurred during their service. House Bill 736, in its current form, appears to undermine the support systems available to veterans, potentially reducing their access to crucial assistance. I respectfully urge you to consider the impact that this bill may have on veterans like myself, who have dedicated their lives to the service of our great nation. It is essential to ensure that any legislation concerning veterans' affairs enhances, rather than hinders, their ability to obtain the assistance they need in securing VA disability benefits. I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss my concerns further and provide additional insights based on my experiences as a veteran. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I trust that you will carefully consider the potential consequences of House Bill 736 on our deserving veterans. Sincerely, Robert M. Dexter LTC, US Army Retired 910-584-3520 RobMDexter@gmail.com
This legislation limits veterans from working with organizations that can help them with their claims . We should give veterans as many options as possible and allow them to make informed decisions about who they want to work with.
This legislation limits veterans from working with organizations that can help them with their claims . We should give veterans as many options as possible and allow them to make informed decisions about who they want to work with.
HB737 - Paid family and medical leave insurance program; notice requirements, civil action.
Vote YES on HB 737 (paid family and medical leave) and HB 1001 (collective bargaining for public sector workers). Both bills will improve working conditions for Virginians. Paid family and medical leave would allow to take care of themselves and their families without having to choose between care and a paycheck. Public sector collective bargaining gives workers the freedom to have a say in their workplace and will aid with worker retention and satisfaction, making Virginia's public institutions more effective. This bill specifically includes student workers, temp workers, home healthcare workers, and transportation workers, and those categories must be protected.
I strongly support the spirit of this legislation- paid family and medical leave is such an obvious policy choice that more than 120 countries already guarantee it to their citizens. It is long past time for the US to do the same, and state-based measures like HB 737 are an important step in the right direction. I do have some concerns over this bill’s cap on benefits at 80% of the average weekly wage. In many jurisdictions, this is far below a living wage - particularly for a family with a newborn. This may discourage people from taking advantage of paid medical and family leave. I recommend raising the cap to a more reasonable living wage or allowing for locality adjustments to reflect the cost of living in different parts of the commonwealth.
STATEMENT OF FRED CODDING IRON WORKERS EMPLOYERS ASSOCIATION HOUSE LABOR AND COMMERCE - SUBCOMMITTEE #2 COMMITTEE JANUARY 25, 2024 I AM FRED CODDING OF 10382 MAIN STREET, FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA 22030. THIS STATEMENT IS SUBMITTED ON BEHALF OF THE IRON WORKERS EMPLOYERS ASSOCIATION (IWEA). WE WELCOME THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS CONSTRUCTION’S CONCERNS WITH HOUSE BILL 348 AND HOUSE BILL 737. THE IRON WORKERS EMPLOYERS ASSOCIATION (IWEA) CONTRACTORS WORK THROUGHOUT VIRGINIA. ITS CONTRACTOR MEMBERS, WHICH INCLUDE MINORITY CONTRACTORS, WORK ON SMALL AND LARGE PROJECTS. MEMBERS OF THE IRON WORKERS EMPLOYERS ASSOCIATION ITSELF SUPPLY AND INSTALL REINFORCING STEEL, STRUCTURAL STEEL, WINDOW WALL, CURTAINWALL AND RELATED PRODUCTS ON PROJECTS THROUGHOUT THE COMMONWEALTH. WE SHOULD POINT OUT THAT MANY OF OUR MEMBERS ARE SMALL BUSINESSES. OUR MEMBERS EMPLOY IRON WORKERS WHO ARE WORKING ON JOBS THROUGHOUT VIRGINIA AND NEIGHBORING JURISDICTIONS. THEY MAY BE ON A JOB HERE IN VIRGINIA, BUT TOMORROW MAY BE IN NORTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE, WEST VIRGINIA, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, MARYLAND, PENNSYLVANIA OR DELAWARE. THEY TRAVEL EXTENSIVELY. IN ADDITION, THEY MOVE FROM ONE CONTRACTOR TO ANOTHER IN RELATIVELY SHORT PERIODS OF TIME. THIS IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE INDUSTRY. AS A RESULT, THEIR PAY LEVELS REFLECT MOBILITY. IN ADDITION, CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTORS FREQUENTLY PROVIDE COSTLY PENSIONS, HEALTH CARE, WORKERS COMPENSATION INSURANCE AND PREMIUM TIME ON A NUMBER OF HOLIDAYS AS WELL AS WEEKENDS. IN ADDITION, THEY PROVIDE DISABILITY INSURANCE. IN ADDITION TO THESE, OUR MEMBER CONTRACTORS ALSO CONTRIBUTE $1.55 PER IRON WORKER MANHOUR WORKED FOR CONTINUING TRAINING OF APPRENTICE AND UPGRADING PROGRAMS. THE BURDENS THE LEGISLATION PLACES ON CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTORS INCREASES THOSE THEY ALREADY BEAR. THE LEGISLATION SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASES RECORD-KEEPING REQUIREMENTS. NUMEROUS OTHER JURISDICTIONS HAVE RECOGNIZED THESE CONCERNS. IF A BILL PASSES, WE ASK THAT THE CONCERNS OF CONSTRUCTION BE ACCOMMODATED. WE REQUEST AN EXEMPTION FOR CONSTRUCTION. ABSENT A FULL EXEMPTION, WE REQUEST AN EXEMPTION FOR THOSE WITH COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS. AS NOTED, THIS HAS BEEN DONE IN MANY OTHER MAJOR JURISDICTIONS.
To whom it may concern, I maintained childhood residency in Virginia and grew up watching my Grandfather fight the VA, local VSO's and attorneys for the disability percentage he deserved in which he ultimately had to represent himself after a 9 year long battle. He was finally awarded the disability percentage he was ethically and morally eligible for. To this day he wishes there were third party companies who could have assisted him with consultations and guidance to achieve his deserved disability percentage far sooner than when it was actually awarded and that he states he would've accommodated such a service with modest payment of a successful claim. A bill such as this is disconcerting and should be considered as wrongfully prohibiting third party pre-claims filing consulting companies from assisting veterans like my Grandfather in their pursuit toward their deserved disability percentage. The continuance of allowing veterans the right to choose who assists them with their VA claims process maintains their constitutional rights and should be upheld. Thank you for your consideration.
(see attachment for further details) Thank you Chair Lopez and members of the Committee: My name is Awesta Sarkash and I am the Public Policy Director for Small Business Majority, a national small business organization that empowers America’s diverse entrepreneurs to build a thriving and equitable economy. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss HB 737, which would create a state-run paid family and medical leave program. We urge you to swiftly pass this legislation to support Virginia’s small businesses. Small Business Majority is a national small business organization that empowers America's diverse entrepreneurs to build a thriving and equitable economy. We engage our network of more than 85,000 small businesses and 1,500 business and community organizations to deliver resources to entrepreneurs and advocate for public policy solutions that promote inclusive small business growth. Our work is bolstered by extensive research and deep connections with the small business community that enable us to educate stakeholders about key issues impacting America’s entrepreneurs, with a special focus on the smallest businesses and those facing systemic inequities. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of accessing paid family and medical leave. Nationwide, we’re seeing other states passing measures to implement state-run paid family and medical leave programs. A modernized and robust benefits infrastructure would benefit small business owners and their employees, helping to level the playing field for small employers that can’t afford to provide paid family leave on their own. The proposed legislation would establish a paid family and medical leave insurance program in the Commonwealth, ensuring covered employees can take at least 12 weeks of paid time away from work when they need it. Implementing a paid family and medical leave program is a commonsense policy solution that small businesses can get behind. Virginia small businesses want to offer benefits to their employees because it helps them retain staff and compete with larger competitors. In fact, 66% of Virginia small business owners support establishing a state-run paid family and medical leave program. Passing HB 737 will bolster the Virginia small business ecosystem by providing them access to the benefits they need to attract a robust workforce. We urge you to vote yes on HB 737 to create a paid family and medical leave program in the Commonwealth to support the small business community.
HB385: there’s an importance and safety to having two man crews.. safety for the company and the public.
HB744 - Consumer protection; automatic renewal or continuous service offers.
This provision ensures consumer empowerment by requiring suppliers to notify users about the option to cancel automatic renewal services between 30 to 60 days before the deadline. It promotes transparency, giving consumers ample time to make informed decisions, fostering fair and respectful business practices
“This provision ensures consumer empowerment by requiring suppliers to notify users about the option to cancel automatic renewal services between 30 to 60 days before the deadline. It promotes transparency, giving consumers ample time to make informed decisions, fostering fair and respectful business practices.”
This provision ensures consumer empowerment by requiring suppliers to notify users about the option to cancel automatic renewal services between 30 to 60 days before the deadline. It promotes transparency, giving consumers ample time to make informed decisions, fostering fair and respectful business practices.
HB770 - Retaliatory action against employee prohibited; remedies available.
HB780 - Collective bargaining by public employees; public transportation providers.
HB819 - Health insurance; coverage for contraceptive drugs and devices.
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Hi I am writing to you on behalf of The Well Connection UK, a media and publishing company. We could easily get virginia.gov featured in various publications such as magazines, online blogs and news sites. This would undoubtedly help virginia.gov with publicity, reputation, domain authority and organic search engine rankings. We have a wide range of options including completely free collaborations, sponsored posts, guest posts and banner ads. If this sounds of interest, please reach out to the senior business development manager, Anita at info@thewellconnection.co.uk and whatsapp +447395206515 (GMT) Kind regards Clifton Junior Outreach Assistant
Contraception is medical care. Drugs and devices used for contraception also treat a host of medical ailments, including incredibly painful conditions like endometriosis. Besides, contraception expands personal freedom and helps to reduce the abortion rate. Please vote YES on HB819 and expand access to no-copay contraception for all Virginians!
HB385: there’s an importance and safety to having two man crews.. safety for the company and the public.
HB938 - Unemployment insurance; benefit eligibility conditions, lockout exception, etc.
On behalf of the Iron Workers International Union, including Ironworkers Local 28 in Richmond, Virginia, I express support for Delegate LeVere-Bolling's House Bill 938. Neither our workplaces, nor our workforce, look the same today as in 1950 when the original law was written. HB 938 provides a much needed and long over due update.
HB974 - Workers' compensation; employee may satisfy burden of proof by circumstantial evidence.
HB990 - Employer seeking wage or salary history of prospective employees; prohibited.
HB1001 - Collective bargaining by public employees; labor organization representation.
This is not about giving employees a voice they have the same voice we do, this is about giving Unions Control over Government *After 2 years of trying to negociate with unions San Francisco suburb Vallejo filed for bankruptcy May 23, 2008 *Miami 2010 during a declared financial crisis a state law that allowed administrators to force open union contracts capping pensions at $100,000, cutting salaries and saved the city teetering on bankruptcy the unions sued saying the city hadn't FIRED Non- Union employees,or raise taxes - Unions won! "New York 2020 unions held out for the Federal government to bail out because of an "Evergreen Clause" which you have in this bill which says a union contract does not expire until there is a new contract giving unions NO incentive to negociate a new one during recessions in NY is called the Triborough amendment H. Raskin wrote in 1968 "The community cannot tolerate the notion that it is defenseless at the hands of organized workers to whom it has entrusted responsibility for essential services." Collective bargaining with public-employee unions would mean taking some of the decision-making authority over government functions away from the people's elected representatives and transferring it to union officials, with whom the public had vested no such authority
Vote YES on HB1001: Collective Bargaining by Public Employees. It is vital that public employees in Virginia enjoy the right to collectively bargain for better pay, benefits, and working conditions. State workers contribute fundamentally to the public good from which every one of us benefits. As one person writes: "Collective bargaining is democracy in action; it allows us to build healthy, safe, and respectful workplaces where each worker is valued and supported. In turn, each worker's well-being makes Virginia a better place to work and live." HB 1001 is pro-worker, pro-family, and pro-Virginia legislation. Vote YES on HB 1001
OPPOSE HB1001 collective bargaining is giving control over government to unions that the public ie taxpayers has vested no such authority. We have a representative form of government and can hold our elected representatives accountable while I can vote for only the mayor and 1 council member unions can bind all 11 of them and future councils to contacts they did not vote for and the taxpayers gets no say. The cost of just administering collective bargaining hiring contract negociators, more HR personnel , labor relation specialists and payroll systems to handle it, time taken away by employees doing union work instead of the job they were hired to do will cost millions. Every dollar spent administering collective bargaining is money not spent to educate a child or provide public services.
Vote YES to HB 1001 (collective bargaining for public sector workers): As a Higher Education PhD student who has worked in postsecondary education/the public sector for over a decade, it's evident that our educational institutions operate on a schema of underpaid and undervalued labor. Research has shown how a college education advances civic engagement, public health, social welfare, community care, and economic prosperity (McMahon and Delaney, 2021) and is vital to the present and future of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The 80+ universities/community colleges in Virginia employ 122,000+ individuals making higher education one of the largest employers/employee bases in the state. Campus workers deserve a say in the workplace and in the decision making process in order to deliver on higher education as a public good. Collective bargaining will transform Virginia's public institutions and build a better workplace, community, and future for us all.
I urge you to support HB 1001 Collective bargaining by public employees. This is crucial to supporting public sector workers to continue in their positions over the long term. I have witnessed the incredible waste and inefficiencies due to the high turnover of public employees who currently have little leverage or ability to respond to issues of compensation, benefits, or health and safety that they encounter in the workplace. Allowing our public employees to elect to work with a union to bargain collectively will positively improve working conditions over the long run to benefit both employees and the public that they serve while making significant impacts on supporting middle income families of Virginia, which in turn will have great social and economic benefits for the Commonwealth. Eroding collective bargaining rights has eroded the middle class and our families and future generations deserve better.
I strongly support this bill, which would provide Virginia workers with the freedom to join a union and bargain collectively. I believe that all Virginia workers should have the freedom to join a union and bargain collectively so that they have a voice at work. But right now only a fraction of Virginia’s public service workers like teachers, firefighters, and nurses have the right to negotiate for fair wages and safe working conditions. The right to bargain collectively for a contract is a better bargain for our public service workers, it’s also a better bargain for our communities. Our public workers know what they need to do for their jobs, and as a professor at a public university, I can say with confidence that being able to bargain collectively would ensure that my job were more secure--and in turn, that would deepen my capacity to teach Virginia's college students. We are all stronger and safer when teachers can negotiate for things like smaller class sizes. We need to build on the work of previous legislation to ensure all workers have a voice on the job
Your estimates of the cost of public unions being able to collectively bargain is flawed. Loudoun County Public Schools recently voted to allow collective bargaining, estimate taxpayers will be on the hook for $3.3 million per year in new administrative positions. That’s $3.3 million that can’t be used for higher teacher pay, You have an "Evergreen Cluase" in the legislation, In NY it's called the Tribourgh amendment which basically says a contact stays in effect until a new one which give unions NO incentive to come to table to negociate new contracts during recessions. https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/1300123/unions-bet-federal-government-will-bail-out-new-york-with-massive-amounts-of-cash/ Vallejo California filed bankrupcy after 2 years of trying to negoicate with union https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN23521790/ In the 2010-2011 fiscal year, ihe City of Miami faced a $140 million deficit on its $500 million budget, which led it to declare a “financial urgency” and change its police union contract. Police union bosses sued, claiming the city had failed to raise taxes, lay off non-union employees and put in traffic cameras. The Florida Supreme Court agreed, https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article135994628.html In the private sector they are restrained by competition in the free market, customers can choose to take their business elsewhere, if business can't make money and compete they go out of business so unions can only push so far, the public sector has no such restraint they either cut services or raise taxes. https://www.hoover.org/research/case-against-public-sector-unions
In regards to HB1001: It's important to understand the benefits of collective bargaining to employers as well. It enables the interests of both workers and employees to be expressed and hears, common threads to be identified, and differences to be balances against one another to serve the creation of trade-offs. This results in the outcomes being perceived as more fair and thus more effectively honored or complied with. The positive benefits for businesses or institutions include higher worker commitment, productivity, and stability. This, in turn, can increase higher demand in the economy. Additionally, collective bargaining allows the relevant parties to fine tune agreements to their particular industry or enterprise, thus helping to solve problems specific to one's workplace.
Representatives, I am writing this morning in support of HB 1001. I am a professor at Virginia Commonwealth University. As a term faculty member of 10 years who teaches our first-year critical thinking and writing seminars, I am writing on behalf of myself and my colleagues to explain why collective bargaining for public workers is so needed. My job is growing increasingly tenuous as higher education is privatized despite the way in which I and my colleagues are often the primary support for incoming first year students, and our help often determines whether they continue on in college or drop out after a year with significant debt. As term faculty, we have little to no control over our employment. Even though we are specialists in student success as well as our academic areas with many years of experience and education, VCU has recently announced that it will reduce all our multi-year contracts to a single year. To commit to VCU's students and Virginia's future without assurance of a stable job for us is hard, especially when many who are in the first 10 years of our careers are still paying off our own student loans. My colleagues and I wonder every year if we should be on the job market, or if we will be fired with no warning and no clear criteria for the selection of who was fired, as 14 of our colleagues were this year, with no preference given to seniority. All of this takes away our ability to focus on what matters, and what we are passionate about doing: teaching and supporting our students. SB 374 would allow us to advocate for ourselves and our students by bargaining for things that would make our jobs stable and secure, such as the reinstatement of multi-year contracts for proven teachers and clear layoff/firing policies that we agree are fair and which allow people to plan their careers. I am just one example of the workers who allow Virginia to thrive. All public employees are so because their work supports Virginians and their communities. Please support this bill and us, in return. Thank you for your attention, Amber Pearson Assistant Professor Virginia Commonwealth University
Vote YES on HB 737 (paid family and medical leave) and HB 1001 (collective bargaining for public sector workers). Both bills will improve working conditions for Virginians. Paid family and medical leave would allow to take care of themselves and their families without having to choose between care and a paycheck. Public sector collective bargaining gives workers the freedom to have a say in their workplace and will aid with worker retention and satisfaction, making Virginia's public institutions more effective. This bill specifically includes student workers, temp workers, home healthcare workers, and transportation workers, and those categories must be protected.
Collective bargaining would enable public employees to have democratic input in their working conditions. It may seem unthinkable -- the idea that state employees have a say-- but let's be honest. We know the work best. We know our mission intimately. And we know what we deserve. Campus Workers further the mission of higher education as a public good. It's time for Virginia to show up for public higher ed in this fundamental way. Support campus workplace democracy, so that the mission of higher education is not compromised by a lack of democratic governance. When we have a say, we can transform education for our students and prepare them for the workforce. This is what students deserve, and this what campus workers deserve. Thank you.
HB 1001 would be life-changing for me, my family, and all public sector state workers in the commonwealth--not to mention the students, patients, and clients we serve. Collective bargaining is democracy in action; it allows us to build healthy, safe, and respectful workplaces where each worker is valued and supported. In turn, each worker's well-being makes Virginia a better place to work and live. Collective bargaining rights would have allowed me to speak up in support of colleagues whose long-time work was recently terminated. It would allow me to advocate for student workers whose stipends do not meet the limit of a living wage and frequently arrive late. It would give me space to speak up with my colleagues when buildings are unsafe or students lack access to resources they need to succeed. I hope Labor and Commerce will support this critical bill today, particularly in this form--ensuring that student workers are included in this language is invaluable!
There has to be someone on board to keep the other accountable for safety while operating a locomotive.to keep them alert and aware when your all alone on the locomotive your mide can wander off to sleep
There has to be someone on board to keep the other accountable for safety while operating a locomotive.to keep them alert and aware when your all alone on the locomotive your mide can wander off to sleep
The AAUP is a membership organization with campus chapters at 18 public and private institutions in Virginia. Its mission is to protect academic freedom, institutions of faculty governance, fair procedures for resolving grievances, the economic well-being of faculty and other academic professionals, and the advancement of the interests of higher education. We believe that the right to organize into collective bargaining units enhances the faculty's ability to reinforce and secure the principles of academic freedom and tenure, fair workplace procedures, and the economic security of the profession. The AAUP affirms that collective bargaining ensures that all academic professionals have an effective role in the governance of institutions. Tenure-line and non-tenure-line faculty, graduate employees, and academic professionals at both public and private institutions are entitled to choose to engage in collective bargaining in order to ensure an effective role in the governance of the institution. Public sector unions in higher education strengthen these institutions' ability to serve the public good by giving academic professionals tools to assure that academic freedom - the right of faculty and students to use their disciplinary training to explore controversial ideas and create new knowledge - is protected from external interference, and assures that administrations respect the expertise of professionals in the design and administration of the fundamental "product" of higher education, which is a rich curriculum and the development of student skills for personal success and for positive contributions to society. The opportunity to form and join a collective bargaining unit would also make Virginia more competitive in the national and international markets to attract the most talented scholars, researchers, and teachers to our public institutions.
HB14 - Unemployment compensation; employer's failure to respond to requests for information, etc.
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Hi I am writing to you on behalf of The Well Connection UK, a media and publishing company. We could easily get virginia.gov featured in various publications such as magazines, online blogs and news sites. This would undoubtedly help virginia.gov with publicity, reputation, domain authority and organic search engine rankings. We have a wide range of options including completely free collaborations, sponsored posts, guest posts and banner ads. If this sounds of interest, please reach out to the senior business development manager, Anita at info@thewellconnection.co.uk and whatsapp +447395206515 (GMT) Kind regards Clifton Junior Outreach Assistant