Elimination of Hatch Act Restrictions
WHEREAS, it is a fundamental right of American citizens to participate fully in the political process, and
WHEREAS, both on the Federal and State levels many public employees are denied those basic freedoms through various versions of the “Hatch Acts” and,
WHEREAS, certain “Hatch” provisions prohibit public employees from running for office, and
WHEREAS, other provisions specifically prohibit public employees from engaging in any form of electioneering or campaign activities, and
WHEREAS, in some states forming a Political Action Committee is prohibited by “Hatch” provisions, and
HEREAS, collectively these prohibitions silence the voices of thousands of public employees and curtail their ability to engage in the electoral process.
Therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the delegates assembled at the Twenty-Fourth Constitutional Convention of the AFL-CIO call for a thorough investigation by the AFL-CIO and its affiliates of the impact of “Hatch” regulations on public employees, and be it further
RESOLVED that the AFL-CIO formally declare its opposition to any statute, regulation or ordinance that impedes a public employee from fully participating in the political and/or electoral process, and be it further
RESOLVED that the AFL-CIO support legislation in the 107th Congress to eliminate “Hatch” restrictions on all public employees, and be it further RESOLVED that the AFL-CIO support such legislation until enacted.