RECOGNIZING THE WORKERS OF AMERICA

A Column from the Desk of Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C-Deerpark)

In years past, I’ve written about the historical importance of Labor Day and the immense contributions made by the men and women who work the often thankless jobs that many in our society take for granted. This year, I revisit this theme because Labor Day remains as significant as ever for the working people of America. The recognition of their contributions was hard-fought by generations who did not enjoy the protections and comforts we have today. It is through their efforts, ingenuity, skill, and dedication to their craft that America has earned its place as a world power. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, America rapidly grew to become one of the most technologically advanced nations in the world. This progress was made possible by the vast expanses of land available for development, the absence of an aristocracy to stifle invention, and the entrepreneurial spirit that has defined our nation for generations. Our encouragement of science and innovation has earned us the honor of being home to 161 of Encyclopedia Britannica’s 321 Greatest Inventions. From airplanes to the internet, microchips to cell phones, and personal computers to microwaves, many of the modern conveniences we rely on today were born from American innovation. Even more old-school, the cotton gin revolutionized agriculture, and the automobile was perfected here in America. None of these achievements would have been possible without the risk-takers and out-of-the-box thinkers who drove innovation forward, and the countless workers who turned these ideas into reality. But Labor Day is more than just a day off at the end of summer or a chance to shop for deals online. It’s a day to reflect on the value of hard work, innovation, and the labor movement that has tirelessly fought for the rights of workers across the nation. As the Ranking Minority Member on the Assembly’s Labor Committee, I have been privileged to support legislation that champions the rights of workers and strengthens our unions. Over the past year, I have been proud to sponsor and co-sponsor several key pieces of pro-labor legislation. I have supported bills that aim to increase workplace safety, ensuring that every worker can return home safely at the end of the day. I have also backed efforts to expand collective bargaining rights, giving workers a stronger voice at the negotiating table. Additionally, I have been an advocate for legislation that protects pensions and retirement benefits, recognizing that workers deserve security in their later years after a lifetime of contributions to our state. Labor Day is an opportunity to honor the legacy of those who fought for the rights and protections that workers enjoy today. It is also a time to renew our commitment to continue this fight, ensuring that future generations of workers can build upon the progress we have made. I encourage you all to join me in giving thanks for the work done by those who came before us so that we can continue to inspire those who follow.Assemblyman Brabenec represents the 98th District, which includes the city of Port Jervis, the towns of Deerpark, Greenville, Mount Hope, Wawayanda, Minisink, Warwick, Tuxedo and portions of the towns of Goshen, Monroe and Ramapo. For more information, please visit his Official Website at www.yourfavoriteassemblyman.com.