The Democrats running in the 1st Congressional District talk about campaign financing, term limits and the federal deficit. Click here to watch.

Congressional candidate David Segal honored Labor Day today by pledging that his first act as a Congressman will be to sign on as a co-sponsor of the TRADE Act, which would require the renegotiation of America’s trade agreements and create new labor, environmental, and consumer protection standards for all future trade agreements.

“Just like labor and environmental advocates warned, trade agreements like NAFTA have proven to be a raw deal for the American people,” Segal said. “Rhode Islanders have lost 4,482 jobs to NAFTA alone, and nationwide more than 1.5 million American jobs have been outsourced due to NAFTA.

“It’s a slap in the face to American workers that our current trade agreements give corporations incentives to lay off U.S. workers and move jobs abroad where they can pay their workers sub-poverty wages and wreak havoc on the environment,” David Segal said.

According to Segal, “These job losses aren’t an accident or the result of a force of nature: they are the direct result of the obscene power that corporations wield over our government. Corporations and the extremely wealthy spend tens of millions of dollars each year to ensure that our trade agreements guarantee their profits, even if it’s at the expense of millions of our working families.”

“There’s no more fitting way to honor Labor Day and the history of the American labor movement — and American workers past, present, and future — than by pledging that the TRADE Act will be the first piece of legislation to which I’ll sign my name in Congress.”

The Trade Reform, Accountability, Development and Employment (TRADE) Act would protect American jobs and family farms by creating new labor, environmental, and consumer protection standards for future trade agreements. It would also require that the Government Accountability Office review all existing trade agreements and their impacts on our economy and the well-being of workers, and compel the renegotiation of certain provisions of those agreements.

Providence RI—Today David Segal launched an ad highlighting his role in fighting for implementation of a city ordinance that creates a pipeline to employ unemployed Providence residents. In 2006 David Segal organized with his colleagues and community based organizations to sue Mayor David Cicilline in Superior Court for David Cicilline’s inaction on the ordinance.  Hon. Judge Fortunato of Superior Court found that David Cicilline’s administration was in violation of the “First Source Ordinance” and forced implementation. Despite this, Cicilline has recently used First Source as proof of his commitment to creating jobs in Rhode Island.

Marc Gursky, the attorney in the case, said “David Cicilline fought against this local jobs program. David Segal fought for it in court, and won. Now that Cicilline is running for Congress, he’s taking credit for it.”

Rachel Miller, David Segal’s campaign manager explained the importance of a contrast ad at this critical moment in the campaign.  “In the final weeks before the September 14 Democratic Primary undecided voters are taking a hard look at the candidates. As our campaign continues to surge, we are seeing that people want to elect someone they can trust to stand up and fight for ordinary people. David Segal is the candidate with a record of winning victories for Rhode Island’s working people even when it means challenging wealthy developers and other elected officials. The more voters learn that, the more they are turning away from the front runner and putting their trust in the only David who will stand up and fight for Rhode Islanders.”

In speaking about the ad and his record, David Segal explained how the Providence jobs ordinance speaks more broadly to his efforts over the last eight years, “I am sincerely proud of my work to get the Providence jobs ordinance implemented. So much of my work as an elected leader has focused on working with community leaders to fight for solutions to the problems at hand.”

“Providence working families were hurting even before the recession put thousands of people across the state out of work, and the jobs ordinance was a path to helping create a pipeline to good living wage jobs for residents. It didn’t happen without a fight, just as my proposals to get Rhode Island working again will likely take challenging big corporate interests in order to stand up for ordinary Rhode Islanders. I know what it takes and I am up to the job.”  Segal continued.

The advertisement airs today in the cable market throughout the First Congressional District of Rhode Island, and can be seen at the www.votesegal.com link to the campaign’s YouTube page.

Providence RI –Today Rhode Islanders woke up to the disturbing headline, “Tax overhaul means wealthiest in Rhode Island will pay less.” David Segal is calling on the leadership of the General Assembly to hold a special session, and to go back to work for Rhode Island’s working families to ensure that fairness is restored.

Segal says, “I am furious that the tax policy writers gave members false data when the legislation came before us. We rely on their data as we make key policy decisions, and they represented that relative to the fully phased in flat tax, the change in the tax code would be revenue-neutral, yielding a modest decrease in taxes on working families, and a modest increase on the wealthy.

He continued, “The new data makes it clear that the tax change will further reduce state revenues at a critical juncture, when schools, public works departments, and social service agencies are desperate for funds, and as cities raise regressive property taxes on working families to make up the difference. For the last several years, Rhode Islanders and small business owners have been forced to pay ever higher property taxes to help make up for tax breaks for the wealthiest. The new information that has come to light shows that the tax overhaul continues this trend of shifting away from income taxes on the wealthiest and towards higher property taxes for our working families and small businesses.”

“I’ve repeatedly voted against budget articles that have made our tax system more regressive, decreased revenues, and decreased education funding and funding for cities and towns — and therefor leading to property tax increases on working families. In fact, I helped organize to block passage of the Fiscal 2009 supplemental budget until millions of dollars in funding to cities was restored, and the budget writers agreed to make our capital gains tax more progressive.”

“If presented with accurate data at the time of the vote, I absolutely would have opposed the tax change, and aggressively urged my colleagues to join me. It is time hold a special session, correct our mistake, and do right by ordinary Rhode Islanders, by changing the new law so the wealthy will pay their fair share,” said Segal.

Before passing the bill, projections showed that a group of thirty taxpayers with federal adjusted gross incomes of $10 million or more were meant to end up paying about $5.22 million more as a group in their personal income taxes under the proposed new system. However, after the General Assembly approved this tax-overhaul bill, striking new data was presented. Instead of paying $5.22 million more in tax, The Department of Revenue has reported that this incredibly wealthy group will ending paying about $560,000 less in taxes than under the old policy. The numbers originally given to General Assembly were incredibly misleading, making the bill that was passed not the tax-overhaul it was supposed to be. Instead of bringing a tax-overhaul that benefits ordinary Rhode Islanders, what has passed is another, unnecessary tax break for the wealthy.

Providence, RI – David Segal supports Congressman Barney Frank and Congressman James McGovern in their efforts to deny federal funding for the study or construction of a import and regasification terminal that Weaver’s Cove has suggested be placed in Mt. Hope Bay.

The communities along both Narragansett and Mt. Hope Bays have been united in their opposition to the placement of the terminal by Hess LNG. It is clear that both the environmental and economic harm posed by the placement of the terminal in Mt. Hope Bay would not be offset by their claims of economic growth.

Segal said, “For too long, communities throughout the United States have been subjected to the threat of environmental hazards. We have seen corporations lie to the public and use their power without regard to the human cost. One only needs to look at the Gulf of Mexico, where BP claimed in its Deepwater Horizon Response Plan that they had the capability to respond to the worst-case scenario.”

Likewise, while Hess LNG has claimed that any harmful effects would only be temporary, the impact would be much more long-lasting. The environmental impacts of dredging will be destructive to the habitats of aquatic life, and contrary to claims of economic benefits, the truth is that closing our bridges and waterways to commercial and recreational traffic for the LNG tankers would in fact be one more hurdle for economic recovery on the bay.

We cannot let corporate interests determine the fate of our environment and economic recovery. Representatives Frank and McGovern have taken a bold step in halting further development of this destructive project. David Segal believes corporations should not be calling the shots when it comes to Rhode Island, and he can be trusted to support and advocate with his Congressional colleagues in protecting Rhode Island’s environment and economy.

David Segal has won the endorsement of the Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC for his election to Congress as Representative of Rhode Island’s First Congressional District.

“I am extremely honored to accept the Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC’s endorsement and support,” said Segal. “The Congressional Progressive Caucus exists to push the United States Congress to do more to represent ordinary Americans, and not just the corporate and wealthy interests who have too much power in Washington.”

Segal added, “As our campaign surges, we’re proud to add the Congressional Progressive Caucus to our list of recent endorsers — including the American Federation of Teachers, Service Employees International Union, AFSCME, Democracy for America, Progressive Democrats of America, and others.  As we approach September 14th, and voters pay increased attention to the race, it is clear that more and more are joining our cause.”

“David Segal is the person the First District needs, and he’s going to make a great Congressman. The Congressional Progressive Caucus will be proud to have him as a member,” said Congressman Raul Grijalva, Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-chair.

Providence, RI—With four weeks to primary day, David Segal’s Congressional Campaign in Rhode Island’s First District continues to surge. His campaign announced three major endorsements: Democracy for America, a national Democratic organization with over a million members nationwide, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 94, and the Service Employees International Union Rhode Island State Council.

In total these groups have membership within the state of more than 20,000. Rachel Miller, Segal’s campaign manager, explained the significance of the endorsements and momentum as voters are starting to take a hard look at the candidates. “The more people are paying attention the more they’re turning away from the front runner and coming on board, because David Segal is the one who has honestly fought for local families and people are tired of the same old politics where people will say anything to get elected. David Segal is the real thing.”

“It’s easy to make claims during an election year,” said Stan Israel, President of the SEIU State Council. “But we know first-hand that Rhode Islanders are ready to reject politics as usual and stand with the candidate who has honestly stood with Rhode Island’s working families. We’re proud to stand with David Segal because he has fought every day for ordinary Rhode Islanders.”

“Council 94’s Political Action Steering Committee voted unanimously to endorse David Segal. We believe David has the right combination of passion and experience to best serve the needs of all Rhode Islanders,” said Michael Downey, President of AFSCME Council 94. “No other candidate had a record to match David’s efforts on the behalf of working families. We know that he will work hard every day for the constituents in Congressional District 1.”

Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America announced their support as well, helping propel Segal’s candidacy in front of a national audience. “I’m honored to announce Democracy for America’s endorsement of a progressive champion who will move us forward — Rhode Island’s David Segal.” He said. “David is an activist at heart — working closely with his colleagues to craft progressive legislation and pass it into law. His experience and record speaks for itself.”

“I am proud to have the support of thousands of working people in the first district,” said David Segal. “The coalition we are building together is the same coalition that has spent years fighting for good, living wage jobs for Rhode Islanders, and standing up to the powerful corporate interests that have too much control over our government. Our grassroots effort is building tremendous momentum towards a victory on September 14.”

The Service Employees International Union State Council of Rhode Island represents 6,000 people in both the public and private sector across a broad sector of the Rhode Island workforce including health care workers, janitors, social workers and service workers.

Democracy for America, the people powered PAC, has 5,500 Rhode Island members and over one million members nationwide.

Providence, RI—  The Blue America PAC announced their endorsement of David Segal in Rhode Island’s 1st District Congressional race.  Blue America issued the following statement about their endorsement:

“Sometimes you settle on a candidate who you know is going to vote right all the time– someone who has the best interests of working families in their mind. We could do a lot worse than that, especially in a Congress filled with corrupt self-servers looking out for the interests of wealthy campaign contributors and Big Business. David Segal is far more than just someone who will vote the right way — he will be a real leader.”

“The entire campaign is excited to have Blue America PAC’s support,” David Segal said.  “Their endorsement is an affirmation of my commitment to stand up to big corporations and fight to achieve real victories for working families.”  Blue America acts to direct financial support to carefully chosen candidates, candidates who are committed to causes such as campaign finance reform, equal protection under the law and women’s choice. Their careful vetting process is especially aimed at identifying strong and independent-minded progressive leaders.  Blue America has raised nearly $150,000 for a handful of House candidates so far this cycle.

Congressional candidate David Segal today formally called for President Obama to appoint Elizabeth Warren as head of the newly-formed Consumer Finance Protection Bureau.

Warren was one of the major architects of the financial reform legislation that became law earlier this month, and consumer rights activists are urgently pushing for her appointment – which is being opposed by many leaders of the banking industry.

“I first started working with Elizabeth Warren’s office in 2006, as I put forth anti-predatory lending legislation as a member of the Providence City Council, and met with her to discuss the CFPB just last weekend” Segal noted. “As somebody who recognized the impending financial crisis years before it precipitated the collapse of our economy, and succeeded in pushing the broadest progressive overhaul of our banking sector in decades, Professor Warren is clearly the right person for the job.”

Banking lobbyists have contended that Warren – a strong consumer rights advocate – would not be an impartial head of the CFPB. For instance, Reuters this week quoted Alan Kaplinsky, an advisor to banks and consumer financial companies, as saying, “I don’t think she can run that new agency in a fair, balanced way where she can listen to all the constituencies, not just the consumer advocates.”

Segal noted that “Nobody made a peep when John Dugan, a former banking lobbyist, was appointed head of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency – making him the primary regulator of the biggest domestic banks.”

Segal continued, “It’s telling that many in Washington think banking lobbyists are impartial, while consumer rights advocates are biased. We need to reform our government so that it abides by the will of ordinary Americans, not the corporations that pay for elections: Elizabeth Warren’s appointment would be a strong step in the right direction.”

Portsmouth, RI— David Segal visited the Portsmouth Wind Turbine Wednesday, presenting a plan for job creation in Rhode Island as part of his New Green Deal for the country. The stop is part of Segal’s “Jobs For Main Street Tour,” highlighting components of his jobs and economic recovery plan released yesterday.

According to Segal, “Amidst cries of ‘too big to fail,’ Congress took decisive action to rescue the very same banking industry that helped precipitate the economic collapse. But we’ve waited far too long for a jobs and economic recovery plan that recognizes that America’s families are too important to fail.”

Wall Street was bailed out, yet too many Americans are still facing unemployment and under-employment. David Segal’s proposals are centered on putting Rhode Islanders back to work right now while building the foundations for a strong economy through future decades.

Segal said, “Investing $100 billion in the greening of our economy over the next two years would create an estimated 2 million jobs nationwide. This will put people to work today building the foundation for a strong economy in years to come, while moving us toward energy security and significantly lowering our greenhouse emissions.”

David Segal has fostered renewable energy and green jobs by passing – initially against vehement objection by National Grid — three “net metering” laws to make it easier for individuals and small businesses to build solar panels or wind turbines – net metering made it possible for the Portsmouth Wind Turbine project to be financed.

Tomorrow (Thursday, 8/5) Jobs for Main Street Events include:

12:30pm at the Museum of Work and Culture in Woonsocket, David Segal will present his plan to support fair trade, protect worker’s rights, and create jobs for Rhode Island’s working families.

2:15pm at SEIU 1199 in Providence, David Segal will meet with health care workers and discuss the critical importance of supporting Rhode Island’s excellent health care delivery system. (294 West Exchange Street, Providence