[ [link removed] ]Summer Lee for Congress



John, on
Wednesday, I wrote to you about the East Palestine, Ohio train disaster.
Now, a second train carrying hazardous materials, including liquid
chlorine has derailed in Van Buren Township, Michigan.

Both derailed trains were operated by Norfolk Southern railway, who has:

* Spent millions lobbying against regulations which included upgrading
from Civil-War era break technology. (Yes, you read that right.)

* Increased train lengths and weight and reduced inspections times.

* Cut over 33% of jobs, despite the safety risks of understaffing.

All while reporting record profits in Q4 of 2022.

Fortunately, the train derailment in Michigan did not result in a chemical
spill, but we know that it’s only a matter of time before another disaster
occurs like we saw in Ohio two weeks ago. Until corporations like Norfolk
Southern are held accountable, workers, communities, and our very
environment are at risk.

Pennsylvania has the largest number of operating railroads in the nation,
and we cannot allow any corners to be cut for corporate greed. [ [link removed] ]Help my
team and I fight for safer regulations and an end to preventable rail
train disasters by chipping in $5 today.

It’s time to call them out.

Furiously,

Summer

---------- Forwarded message ---------
Date: February 15, 2023
From: Summer Lee
Subject: East Palestine, Ohio

John — when
corporations are allowed and encouraged to put profit over people, the
results are predictable — thousands of families uprooted and exposed to
deadly toxins poisoning their air and drinking water.

On Friday, February 3, a train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in the
town of East Palestine, Ohio, which is just an hour outside Pittsburgh. 

[ [link removed] ]Firefighters battle a blaze from a derailed train in East Palestine,
Ohio.

Firefighters battle a blaze from a derailed train in East Palestine, Ohio.
Gene J. Puskar/AP

Over 5,000 residents were told to evacuate the area, and a few days later,
crews led a controlled release of the chemicals into the air in order to
prevent a major explosion. Since then, many locals are still unable to
return to their homes, there have been reports of sick pets and animals
dying, and people have been experiencing asthma symptoms and a burning
sensation in their eyes.

Rail workers have been sounding the alarm and vocally opposing federal
deregulation for years which has led to cuts in safety and maintenance. In
short: longer, overloaded trains with fewer workers. 

This is a shameful disaster with potential consequences into the far
future — and it was preventable,
John. Our political leaders
should have to remain accountable to their constituents — not rail company
CEOs.

I ran for Congress to fight alongside workers for a robust labor movement
where everyone has access to a safe workplace, full union protections, and
excellent wages. [ [link removed] ]Will you help me continue that fight so we never see
an environmental disaster like what took place in Ohio this month again?



[ [link removed] ]Contribute »



The fights for environmental, racial, and economic justice are
intrinsically linked. This isn’t a theoretical debate — it’s about our
lives and the lives of people we love. We can’t let a tiny pool of
corporate elites and the inaction of our political leaders continue to
harm people. And today, right now, the residents of East Palestine are
experiencing harm.

Real leadership means always being accountable to working families rather
than to big corporate PACs and the wealthy few. I am determined to see the
PRO Act become law, pass a Green New Deal with a union jobs guarantee, and
strengthen the labor movement. 

We are building a multi-racial, multi-generational movement powered by
everyday people like you,
John. [ [link removed] ]Will you join us and
chip in what you can to help us achieve our vision?

In solidarity,

Summer




 


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