As a result of extensive lobbing efforts by TCU, IAM and other rail unions as well as the railroad industry, two republican Congressmen have come out to support Railroad Retirement, under attack in the current House budget as proposed by Congressman Paul Ryan (R-WI).
In a letter Congressman Steve LaTourette (R-OH) and Congressman Spencer Bachus (R-AL) sent to Chairman Ryan, they voiced their concerns about changing Railroad Retirement as outlined in the Ryan budget. Stating, “Railroad Retirement is funded by rail workers and their employers, and Congress has a responsibility to ensure that these workers receive the benefits they have been promised.”
“It is encouraging to see these two republicans take up support for Railroad Retirement,” said TCU President Bob Scardelletti. “As railroad workers and retirees, we understand that those benefits are completely funded by the taxes we and railroad employers pay. But that doesn’t matter to the Republican majorities who are trying to change it. We at TCU will continue to ensure that those in Congress will not take away our hard earned benefits.”
Click here to read the letter to Chairman Ryan from Congressmen Bachus and LaTourette.