Farmers and Ranchers Coalition Formed in Support of the Employee Free Choice Act...

Farmers and Ranchers Coalition Formed in Support of the Employee Free Choice
Act and the Middle Class

MINNEAPOLIS, June 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, a new rural coalition
announced its support of the Employee Free Choice Act as an important step
towards rebuilding the middle class: Farmers & Ranchers for Employee Free
Choice. The coalition represents more than 125,000 individuals in 30 states
and includes the League of Rural Voters, the Federation of Southern
Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund, the National Family Farm Coalition, and
other organizations with a stake in the future of rural America. Citing the
fact that workers struggling to make it on rock bottom wages can't afford to
buy the products that farmers and ranchers grow, raise and sell, the group
says it's time for Congress to take action on wages by passing the Act.

"Without better wages and working conditions that are offered through union
membership, it's impossible for American workers in rural and urban areas to
afford decent food, housing, or to create wealth in their communities," says
Ralph Paige, Executive Director of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives /
Land Assistance Fund. The coalition's Web site, RememberTheMiddleClass.com,
includes a petition to Congress and a direct link for those who want to send a
message to their U.S. Senator or Representative. An e-mail message campaign
will help the coalition reach rural voters in states where Congressional
support is critical.

Although overall support for the Employee Free Choice Act is growing, "there
are some Senators who still say we can't afford the legislation because of our
current economic mess," noted Niel Ritchie, Executive Director of the League
of Rural Voters. "But they're missing the point. We see the Employee Free
Choice Act as an economic stimulus package aimed directly at the middle
class."

SOURCE League of Rural Voters

Niel Ritchie of the League of Rural Voters, +1-612-270-0276,
niel@leagueofruralvoters.org