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Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN; Trump's latest attack is on RFK, Jr; NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates; Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees.

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Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says rebuilding Baltimore's Key Bridge will be challenging and expensive. An Alabama Democrat flips a state legislature seat and former Connecticut senator Joe Lieberman dies at 82.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Where Small-Bucks Campaign Donors Still Count

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Monday, October 20, 2014   

EUGENE, Ore. – It may be tough for hourly wage workers in Oregon to compete with the political influence of millionaires and billionaires, but that doesn't mean they shouldn’t try.

That's the view of the union that represents many service workers in the state, including child care providers, home health aides, custodians and college support staff.

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 503 has a Citizen Action for Political Education or CAPE fund that pools members' voluntary donations to make candidate endorsements and campaign contributions.

CAPE chairman James Jacobson says the lowest paid workers are some of the most loyal contributors to the fund.

"These people who understand what can be done with a little bit of money, they make the sacrifice – and it truly is, for the lowest-earning people in our union,” he says. “They may have just started out with $5 a month, but they give."

Jacobson says about one-third of SEIU Local 503 members contribute, and this year, the CAPE Fund has donated to candidates in about 10 state legislative races.

He adds the CAPE board stresses to members that Oregon politics affect economic justice issues for all working people, and are worth weighing in on.

Unions are often criticized for their political activism. And Jacobson says like with any group, some union members steer clear of politics.

But he says others – even if they can't afford to donate – volunteer their time to canvass neighborhoods, make phone calls and attend rallies for the politicians or causes they support.

"They've seen how far they can come and how effective they can be when they join together, and not only fight for a decent contract, but you also have to be involved with the Legislature,” he says. “The Legislature sets budgets, and if you want to have an influence, you better be organized politically."





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