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The Maryland and Washington, D.C. State Council of Machinists recently held a meeting in which delegates gathered to discuss legislative priorities and hear directly from allies in Congress.
The IAM welcomed U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), a longtime advocate for working people, who stressed his commitment to fighting for pro-worker legislation and ensuring Union voices are heard on Capitol Hill.
Delegates also heard from U.S. Rep. Sarah Elfreth (D-Md.), who shared her story of growing up in a union household with a father in the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET). Rep. Elfreth pledged her commitment to securing full funding for Amtrak and standing strong for IAM members and union families.
“IAM members across Maryland and D.C. know the importance of having champions in Congress who understand the struggles working people face, especially our members working in the federal and defense sector,” said State Council Vice President Jeremy Leissner. “When we stand together and fight for fair wages, strong contracts, and workplace protections, we make progress not just for our members but for all working families.”
The State Council also voiced its strong support for the Major Richard Star Act, bipartisan legislation that would ensure certain medically retired combat veterans receive both their full retirement pay and disability compensation.
Under current law, retirement pay for combat-injured veterans is reduced dollar-for-dollar by the amount they receive in service-connected disability compensation, a penalty often referred to as the “Wounded Veteran Tax.”
Additional speakers at the meeting included:
Members of the Maryland and Washington, D.C. State Council of Machinists include:
The Maryland and Washington, D.C. State Council continues to play a vital role in strengthening the voice of IAM Union members in the DMV region and advancing legislation that supports working families across the region.
