Ethan Berkowitz for U. S. House Endorsed By ASEA
October 15th, 2008
A former state prosecutor (Tier II state employee) and 10-year State Representative from Anchorage, Ethan Berkowitz has always stood up for the rights of Alaska’s working families.
As House Minority Leader, he opposed reductions to pay and benefits for public employees. He also worked hard to uphold the terms of contracts negotiated between the state and state employees.
Berkowitz was on the frontline in the battle to stop Senate Bill 141, which changed PERS/TRS benefits from defined benefits to defined contributions. He called SB141 “the worst piece of legislation” that he saw during his decade of service in Juneau. He has vowed to continue the fight to protect and restore defined benefits from Congress.
“Americans are being squeezed,” said Berkowitz, “The promise of the American Dream is that if you work hard and live by the rules, you can give your children a life with more and greater opportunities. Unfortunately, today, too many families worry more about staying afloat than getting ahead.”
“Energy and healthcare costs have skyrocketed, and yet wages have remained the same. Even households with two bread winners are just one medical emergency away from bankruptcy. It’s time to address the health care issues because hardworking Americans deserve better,” added Berkowitz.
“My family has healthcare because we’re a union household, and I want to make sure that all Alaskans, and all Americans, have those same benefits and protections.”
Berkowitz is a staunch supporter of Employee Free Choice, and will work to repeal both the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset.
“I am honored to receive AFSCME’s support and will always remember the Alaskans who I represent when I get to Washington D.C.,” said Berkowitz. “My door will always be open, and I’ll do everything I can to make you proud of the representation you have in Congress.”
Ethan Berkowitz and his wife, Mara Kimmel, are raising their two young children in Anchorage.
Ethan Berkowitz is running against Don Young who voted against preserving Social Security benefits for retired public employees and voted to strip overtime protections for millions of American workers.
