'Proud union member' Armstrong introduces bill to nix RTW and resurrect PW

By BERRY CRAIG

Alliance for Retired Americans

State Sen. Cassie Chambers Armstrong knows hogs will fly before this session of the General Assembly votes to abolish "right to work" and restore the prevailing wage.

No matter, the Louisville Democrat who calls herself "a proud union member" has introduced legislation to nix RTW and put PW back on the books.

"One cause resonates with me is supporting Kentucky's organized labor," she said in her most recent online Legislative Update. "I understand how important it is to stand in solidarity with our workers."

Hence, the senator says she "honored to have introduced Senate Bill (SB) 184 to repeal the Right to Work Law and Senate Bill 185 to reinstate prevailing wage laws." She adds that "these bills—although unlikely to pass this session—symbolize my unwavering commitment to supporting Kentucky's labor force and ensuring every worker has a fair opportunity to thrive. I’m proud to have the AFL-CIO and every member of the Democratic caucus supporting this important legislation.

The Kentucky State AFL-CIO is proud of Chambers, who has been in labor's corner since she was sworn in last March.

Last February, Armstrong won a special election to succeed Sen. Morgan McGarvey, D-Louisville, who was elected to congress in 2022, succeeding fellow Louisville Democrat John Yarmuth. 

Egged on by Republican Gov. Matt Bevin, the GOP-majority House and Senate approved RTW and ended PW in 2017. Bevin eagerly signed both measures. 

Democrats and a handful of Republicans opposed the bills to no avail.

Armstrong, a former member of the Louisville Metro Council, represents Senate District 19, which includes part of Jefferson County. 

Labor is also grateful for the support from the co-sponsors of the two bills: SB 184, David Yates, Karen Berg, Denise Harper Angel, Reginald Thomas  and Robin Webb; SB 185, Yates, Berg, Harper Angel, Gerald Neal, Thomas and Webb. All are Democrats.