Florida high-speed rail: Explaining the virtues of a high-speed rail system are (from left) Local 30 Chairperson Tom Pope, UTU Auxiliary Legislative Representative from Jacksonville Cherie Vancura and State Legislative Director Carl Cochran, with State Sen. Betty Holzendorf, seated.

Florida
Legislative Director Carl Cochran and other UTU representatives traveled to the state capital of Tallahassee in March to answer lawmakers' questions pertaining to a proposed high-speed rail line running throughout the state.

"Most of the legislators in Florida, as well as Gov. Jeb Bush, are not sold on high speed," said Cochran. "The problem is that taxpayers voted for a high-speed rail line in Florida."

U.S. Rep. John Mica, who sits on the Rail Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said "Florida could expect a match of perhaps 50% from the (Federal government) for planning expected to cost $20 to $50 million, and 40% to 50% of the first leg of the project from Orlando to Tampa."

Illinois
The Illinois Legislature, on April 19, adopted House Joint Resolution (HJR) 9 declaring the body's support for passage of the Railroad Retirement and Survivors' Improvement Act of 2001.

According to UTU's Illinois State Legislative Director Joe Szabo, the resolution had earlier been approved unanimously by the state's House of Representatives and won adoption after gaining unanimous support in the Illinois Senate.

Joining together to co-sponsor the resolution were Senate President Pate Philip (R) and Senate Minority Leader Emil Jones (D).

The non-binding resolution, Szabo noted, declares the unanimous support of 118 state representatives and 59 state senators and urges the state's U.S. Congressional delegation and the President of the United States to support passage of the measure, identified as H.R. 1140 in the U.S. House of Representatives and S. 697 in the U.S. Senate.

"Assistant Director John Burner really put a lot of time and effort into getting HJR 9 adopted," Szabo said. "He deserves nothing but praise for lining up the support needed for this victory."

Maryland
Legislative Director Larry Kasecamp would like to remind all UTU members in Maryland that applications for the James E. Major Memorial Scholarship must be received at the Legislative Board office no later than June 1, 2001.

The four-year continuing scholarship provides a $500 subsidy to a UTU member or a spouse, child, step-child, or grandchild enrolled at an accredited university, college or junior college for at least 12 credit hours per semester.

Applications or further information can be obtained from any officer of a UTU local in Maryland or by writing to the state director's office at United Transportation Union, Maryland State Legislative Board, 19326 Lower Consol Rd., N.W., Frostburg, MD 21532.

The winner will be chosen through a drawing held at the UTU Regional Meeting attended by the legislative board.

Texas
A resolution recognizing the life-long efforts of the late UTU Designated Legal Counsel J. Donald Bowen on behalf of working people throughout the country was read into the official record of the 77th Texas Legislature on March 21, 2001, reported Texas Legislative Director Connie M. English, Jr.

The resolution read, in part: "Whereas, Mr. Bowen brilliantly and steadfastly represented working people throughout the United States, handling some 450 claims a year as a longtime designated legal counsel for the United Transportation Union, and; Whereas, The integrity, courage and loyalty Don Bowen displayed throughout his life, gained for him enormous respect and affection of his family, friends and associates, be it Resolved that the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas Legislature hereby pay special tribute to the life of J. Donald Bowen and extend sincere sympathy to his family."

English said he and Assistant Director David Arterburn worked closely with State House Speaker Pro-Tem Tom Uher to secure passage of the resolution.

Virginia/West Virginia
The UTU and UTUIA will be sponsoring its 4th Annual Special Informational Seminar and Golf Fundraiser for members in Virginia and West Virginia on June 7 and 8, 2001, at the Airport Holiday Inn in Roanoke, Va.

UTU and UTUIA International representatives, general chairpersons, legislative directors and designated legal counsel will be in attendance, as will representatives from the Federal Railroad Administration and the Railroad Retirement Board.

UTUIA Local Unit 15 will sponsor the Golf Fundraiser at 8 a.m. on June 7 at the Countryside Golf Club to benefit the American Cancer Society. Reservations for the golf fundraiser and for meals during the seminar should be made by calling 1-800-305-4265 no later than June 1 to provide the hotel and golf course with an accurate count for those participating.

Room reservations must be made directly with the Holiday Inn by calling 540-366-8861.

The UTU acknowledges the contributions of Designated Legal Counsel Francis Hajek, Lawrence Mann and Willard Moody for providing the golf luncheon and the hotel food and facilities.