06.25.2009

Your pressure helped on fleet modernization issue

How do you know if your calls to lawmakers make a difference?

Sometimes, results speak for themselves. President Obama has signed legislation on the fleet modernization program. The measure will allow consumers to obtain vouchers worth up to $4,500 to buy new, more fuel-efficient vehicles as they trade in their older, less fuel-efficient models.

The fleet modernization language was kept intact after 60 senators voted to retain it in a larger spending bill. Those 60 votes came through intense lobbying by President Obama, Democratic leaders in the Senate, industry lobbyists, and last – certainly not least – thousands of UAW members who told their senators that the legislation as written will give a much-needed boost to the domestic auto industry.

Senate rules required a minimum of 60 votes to keep the language in the bill.

"It's no secret that lawmakers take notice when thousands of interested citizens contact their office about an issue," UAW President Ron Gettelfinger said. "Here at the UAW we are blessed with thousands of active and retired workers who know our industry and what we need, and are willing to act to get the job done."

Our members have many legislative priorities, so if you missed this one, sign up to receive UAW legislative updates. You can check out where your union stands on the issues and find out how to contact your congressional representatives.

And if you know someone about to make use of the fleet modernization program -- also known as "cash for clunkers" -- direct them to the UAW's 2009 union vehicle guide. After all, union members make the best salespeople for the vehicles we make.