Resolutions

Resolution Number ANAL07.11

Public Hearings On The Safety And Economic Impact Of Mexican Cargo Trucks On U.S. Public Roadways

WHEREAS, the Department of Justice under the Bush Administration is launching a “Demonstration” program allowing 100 Mexican trucking companies to carry goods in the United States for the first time since 1982 (in a provision from the 1994 NAFTA agreement opening roads to Mexican long haul truck drivers) despite resistance and legal battles from the Congress, labor, environmental and safety groups; and

WHEREAS, previously Mexican trucks off-loaded goods at the border to American truck drivers, this current program will allow cheap labor (Mexican drivers are paid 30 – 40 percent less than American drivers), and will result in a loss of American jobs, a greater possibility of illegal cargo (drugs, guns, humans) and goods to be smuggled across state lines as well as vast amounts of new pollution to American lands and skies; and

WHEREAS, the American taxpayers pay for the roads, bridges and transportations systems in the United States, and are therefore entitled to full open debate and hearings on Mexican cargo trucks, which has been denied by calling the program “Demonstration” over “Pilot” and thereby negating the possibility of public hearings;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the California Democratic Party join with the Sierra Club, Teamsters, and other labor and citizens groups to halt the program until public hearings are conducted, which will address all economic implications, public safety issues, security/smuggling concerns, environmental enforcement procedures and other concerns; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the California Democratic Party send a copy of this resolution to the California Congressional delegation, to the Labor and Environmental caucus and to the media to demand open and public hearings.

Written by:  Margie Murray, DSCC member 41^st AD;
Brad Parker, President, Valley Democrats United, Officer, Progressive Caucus

Submitted by:  Valley Democrats United, September 10, 2007

Passed by: Los Angeles County Democratic Party, November 13, 2007

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Adopted by the Executive Board
Of the California Democratic Party
At Its Executive Board Meeting
Sheraton Hotel, Anaheim
November 18, 2007