WHEREAS:

Current campaign finance rules severely restrict political speech by political parties, labor unions and other progressive organizations, and have given wealthy individuals an insurmountable advantage in political fundraising ability; and

WHEREAS:

The Federal Election Commission (FEC), after postponing consideration for 90 days on May 13, 2004, will again consider regulations that would further restrict the political speech of groups that were set up within the boundaries of the new campaign finance rules; and

WHEREAS:

The majority of these groups are seeking to promote a progressive, pro-worker agenda in national politics; and

WHEREAS:

Television has become the public "town square," however, air time for candidates has become prohibitively expensive.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME actively opposes any FEC rulemaking that further limits the free speech of labor unions, union members or so-called "527" organizations; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME supports decreasing the influence of wealthy individuals in politics by the elimination of "bundling" practices that President Bush has used to encourage individuals, known as "Pioneers" and "Rangers," to collect hundreds of thousands of dollars for his campaign and be recognized individually or by industry for this bundling activity; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME will explore existing models of public campaign financing in jurisdictions that currently utilize such models in an effort to determine what best practices might be applicable to other jurisdictions and federal elections; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME will advocate for free television time for candidates' ads, debates and issue discussions.

SUBMITTED BY:

International Executive Board