Editor’s note: Click here to watch a video of Representative Cheri Bustos.
On Wednesday, April 3, 2019, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos stood up for workers’ rights and safety to Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta, during a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing to review the President Donald Trump’s FY2020 Budget Request for the Department of Labor.
Specifically, Congresswoman Bustos focused on Secretary Acosta’s priorities, related to the budgets for both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, as well as the Office of Labor-Management Standards. Bustos asked Acosta why the Department of Labor has cut funding for worker safety, while at the same time increasing funding to investigate labor unions and flat-lining funding to workforce development programs.
“I strongly believe in an efficient government–but gutting regulations that protect hardworking men and women across Illinois is just plain wrong and no way to accomplish that goal,” said the Congresswoman. Bustos is a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education.
“The safety of our workers cannot be compromised and should always be our top priority. Our labor unions play a fundamental role keeping workers safe. I’ll continue to do everything in my power to enable their ability to strengthen our workforce and keep our workers out of harm’s way.”