Moving On

[Jordan Barab]

For those who haven't heard, I just wanted to let you all know that I will be changing jobs yet again. Starting Monday I'll be Deputy Assistant Secretary and Acting Assistant Secretary at OSHA, running the agency until the Senate confirms the real Assistant Secretary.

 

It's been a great two years in the House of Representatives. With your help keeping me and your representatives informed about what's happening in America's workplaces, we've managed to make great strides in raising the consciousness of Congress, the press, and the American people about the hazards that workers face on the job every day. That important work needs to continue and, more importantly, needs to move from consciousness raising to legislating.Given all of the other problems in the country and the challenges facing Congress and the President, it won't be easy to make your voices heard. But I have complete confidence that we'll succeed.

 

I also want to emphasize yet again that nothing happens in Washington (OSHA or Congress) just because of what the few of us who work here are able to do. Every accomplishment we are able to make is because workers and family members all over the country are demanding it -- loudly and actively. The organizing you do and the persistence that you show to the President, the Secretary of Labor, OSHA and your members of Congress make the difference between a few of us nagging for change, and a movement demanding change.

 

There is an enormous amount that needs to be done at OSHA and I hope to at least be able to lay the groundwork for the new Assistant Secretary. Meanwhile, Chairman Miller is determined to find someone soon to take my place and ensure that the progress we've made on the Hill over the past two years continues.

 

Thanks again for all of your past and future help.

-- Jordan