Bluestem Prairie: news about Tim Walz (MN-1)

Army Times: House panel OKs benefits

Some good news for the Red Bulls on a beautiful afternoon--from the Army Times:

A House subcommittee approved two bills Thursday aimed at helping National Guard and reserve members who are mobilized for overseas deployment.

The House Veterans’ Affairs economic opportunity subcommitet passed HR 3882, which modifies rules for earning active-duty GI Bill benefits. It is aimed directly at the Minnesota National Guard’s 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division that was mobilized for 22 months, including 16 months in combat. Of the 2,447 soldiers who deployed, 1,162 members discovered when they returned that they did not qualify for active-duty GI Bill benefits because of how their orders were issued.

Minnesota Guard officials believe their state was hit the hardest, but they say thousands of other Guard members also were hurt if they received initial mobilization orders that did not clearly state they were being called up for 730 or more days.

Reps. Tim Walz, D-Minn., and John Kline, R-Minn., are the chief sponsors of the bill that would retroactively apply to mobilizations since Sept. 11, 2001

The second bill passed by the subcommittee is HR 513, the National Heroes Credit Protection Act, which would allow reserve component members who have served 180 days or longer on contingency operations outside the U.S. to include an explanation in their credit record that their military duties may be a factor in any financial problems they experience. That statement would be provided to each person or entity that requested a credit score or consumer report.

Rep. Robert Brady, D-Pa., is the chief sponsor of the legislation, which he said is aimed at helping people who have trouble keeping up on personal bills because they were called to active-duty.

Returning soldiers eligible for free hunting, fishing licenses

One of the great stories I heard as a kid growing up in southern Minnesota was the tale of my late father's first time duck hunting on Nicollet County's Middle Lake.  Turning 13 in 1945, he was one of the younger brothers in a family of ten.

All of his eligible elder brothers and brothers-in-law served in World War II; the war pretty much halted hunting with the soldiers gone and ammunition scare, or so my multitude of uncles told me while I was growing up. Troy, who had served in the Army in the Pacific theater, dragged his scrawny little brother-in-law along for the duck hunt. Troy and his brothers were prodigious wing shots who had done a little (ahem) market hunting in the Depression to help make ends meet. 

The skies were filled with waterfowl that fall, and my father never saw the like of it again. One of the subtexts of the story was the need of the men to get the spirit of war out of their systems.  Things didn't go very well for the ducks or the game warden that perfect fall day, but the guys--all of whom had seen pretty horrific combat--felt cleansed through one of the few outlets they had in those days before we gained a better understanding of the needs of returning warriors.

Via the Hanska Herald, there's news that Returning soldiers eligible for free hunting, fishing licenses:

Minnesota soldiers returning from service outside the United States in the past two years are eligible for free hunting and fishing licenses from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Returning soldiers, including those who served in the National Guard, may fish and hunt small game without a license for two years from their discharge. They may also obtain one free deer license under regulations passed by the 2007 Legislature.

"Many Minnesota soldiers have put their hunting and fishing trips on hold while they serve abroad," said Mark Holsten, DNR commissioner. "The free license is a small way we can recognize their sacrifice, welcome them home, and extend an opportunity to be with friends and family in Minnesota's great outdoors."

From the looks of that, hunters will still have to buy federal duck stamps; the DNR page on military/veterans licensing isn't clear about pheasant stamps. (Both are $5 each).

We hope a peaceful day on the lake or in the deer stand brings some sense of the new normal to returning vets. And if they need more than that, help will be at hand.

Farewell, D Company; VA Secretary Nicholson resigns

The Albert Lea Tribune has published an article about another send-off for Minnesota National Guard soldiers heading to Kosovo in Farewell, D Company.  Some excerpts:

As many Minnesota National Guard soldiers return home this week, more are getting ready to ship out as Gov. Tim Pawlenty and U.S. Rep. Tim Walz joined family and friends Monday morning to see the troops off.

The Albert Lea National Guard Armory was decorated with posters proclaiming love and admiration for the brothers, fathers, sisters, mothers and friends leaving to Kosovo. . . .

. . .The entire battalion, which has its headquarters in Mankato, will send 425 soldiers to Kosovo, with 95 from the Albert Lea company. Other ceremonies were held at Rochester, St. Paul, Austin and Mankato to send off troops.

At the Albert Lea ceremony, Pawlenty spoke of the soldiers as the real role models and heroes of the American people, contrasting them to the many celebrity role models often seen in tabloids and on TV entertainment news. . . .

. . .Starting off the ceremony was U.S. Rep. Tim Walz, the most senior-ranking enlisted soldier of the National Guard ever to serve in Congress. The 1st District congressman spoke of his appreciation.

“You are the greatest fighting force the world has ever seen,” Walz told the troops.

“We’re not just standing in front of you, we’re standing behind you.”

Walz said Minnesota is working and willing to take care of the soldiers and military families both during deployment and upon return. He said he realizes the soldier is not the only one making a sacrifice when enlisting.

“When a soldier deploys it’s not just the soldier. The family deploys,” he said.

Maj. Gen. Larry Shellito, in a particularly moving part of the ceremony, gave the soldiers something to pull out of their packs on the lonely nights and holidays when the pain of missing their family is too great to bear.

Shellito had the troops close their eyes and lower their heads and asked the family and friends in the crowd show their appreciation. The entire auditorium erupted with shouts, cheers, whistles and applause. Some family members shed tears.

The Mankato Free Press reported on the Key City's send-off in Farewells for Kosovo-bound Guardsmen. This article mentions the combat status of the mission:

The soldiers will receive imminent-danger pay after the Department of Defense decided against reclassifying the deployment as a non-combat mission.

Battalion Cmdr. Mike Funk, who will lead the battalion in Kosovo, said the classification is a big deal, partly because of the $225 per month combat pay. But the biggest savings comes because the troops’ pay won’t be taxed at all. Funk said total savings depends on rank, but many soldiers will see an extra $1,000 or so a month.

The Pentagon decided to call Kosovo a combat mission, Funk said, because while Kosovo is now a relatively peaceful protectorate of the United Nations, independence could be imminent.

If that happens, the area’s Serb minority could rebel, while a lack of independence would surely displease the ethnic Albanians living there. The mission’s primary purpose is to keep the peace between those two groups, as well as other minorities.

Representative Walz was a leader in pushing the Pentagon to leave the mission status unchanged because of the dangers and the burdens deployment puts on soldiers and their families.

Via Atrios, the Associated Press reports the VA Secretary Nicholson is returning to private life:

Veterans Affairs chief Jim Nicholson, who was forced to defend the Bush administration's handling of people injured in battle after revelations of shoddy health care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, announced Tuesday he is resigning.

The 69-year-old Nicholson, who is returning to the private sector, has been head of the VA since February, 2005. Before that, he was U.S. ambassador to the Vatican and chairman of the Republican National Committee.   

He is the latest in a lengthening line of senior officials heading for the exits in the final 1 1/2 years of President Bush's administration.   

Nicholson most recently has overseen a vast network of 1,400 hospitals and clinics, which provide supplemental care and rehabilitation to 5.8 million veterans.   

Earlier this year, the VA was embarrassed by revelations of poor health care at Walter Reed for veterans wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. Nicholson was named by President Bush to lead an interagency task force of seven Cabinet secretaries to determine what could be done immediately to improve veterans' care. . . .

Kosovo send-off coverage round-up

There's some good coverage of yesterday's ceremony for the National Guard members heading to Kosovo in the First District's media.

Let's start off with the Rochester Post-Bulletin, source of the wonderful photo to the left. Karen Colbenson reports that about 300 people attended the event in Soldiers convene in Austin before deploying to Kosovo.  Congressman Walz and Governor Pawlenty spoke:

"We have the best National Guard in the United States of America," said Pawlenty. "There are children, women and men in Kosovo whose lives will be saved because of our presence there. May God continue to bless the United States of America by continuing to give us these heroes."

Pawlenty presented a Minnesota flag to Company F Commander Capt. Dale Ross.

Rep. Tim Walz also spoke at the ceremony, thanking soldiers and families for their sacrifices.

"You represent us as the best America has to offer," said Walz. "We are the leaders when it comes to freedom. We are behind you, we are behind your families and we are behind your mission."

One of the soldiers talked to the paper about that mission, while her husband grew wistfully proud:

Sgt. Rebekah Miller of Minneapolis said she is excited about what will be her second deployment to Kosovo. In 2004, she spent seven months working as assistant to the chaplain. This time, she will be building relationships with community leaders and focusing on problem-solving.

"It's a really great mission," said Miller.

Her husband, Stephen Miller, said he is really proud of his wife, but said it's even harder the second time around.

"The first time she was deployed, we had been married for three months," said Stephen. "This time, it's harder because the longer I know her, the more I like her."

The Austin Daily Herald took a headline from Walz's remarks for the article ‘Best America has to offer'. There's a story of a Minnesota National Guard soldier who served in Iraq now heading for the Balkans:

When it was Bravo Company, the local National Guard soldiers were mobilized and deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Including pre-deployment training they were gone from their hometowns and families for most of 2005.

Now, 18 months later, they will be separated again.

Emmanuel, 22, graduated from high school in 2003 and enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard. His job in the National Guard is as a truck driver. That's what he did when he was deployed with the old “Bravo Company” soldiers before the redesignation to Fox Company.

He missed a few holidays then, but came home, as his mother wished then, safe.

“I'm proud he's going,” Tony Emanuel said. “He wants to go and I'm proud of that.”

The Herald covered the speeches, too:

U.S. Rep. Tim Walz, a retired sergeant major in the National Guard, called the soldiers the “greatest fighting force in the nation.”

Pointing to the soldiers sitting together, Walz said, “This is what our country looks like. This is the best America has to offer.”

And Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who spoke earlier Sunday at another send-off ceremony in West St. Paul, reminded the soldiers their peacekeeping mission is Kosovo was critical to “keeping the peace and keeping people from killing each other.”

Pawlenty presented a Minnesota state flag to Capt. Ross which was flown in Kosovo by another state National Guard unit that served in Iraq.

KAAL-TV reports on the Send Off Ceremonies for Troops Heading to Kosovo:

These troops will miss out on Thanksgiving and Christmas with their families this year, but they say they're okay with that.  Instead they're focusing on how they'll be making a difference in someone else's life in Kosovo, and to them it's worth the sacrifice to help keep the peace in our world.

Members of the 1st Minnesota, or the 2nd Battalion of the 135th Infantry gathered with their families at the Austin Armory.
    
Many of the troops say they are excited for the trip, looking forward to helping.

"The personal skills, and speaking with people, and being able to exercise personal skills," says PSC Tessa Heathman.

Governor Tim Pawlenty and Congressman Tim Walz assisted in the ceremonies, reminding the troops of how their work will be valued.

There's an accompanying video clip on the page with the story.  KTTC features more coverage here, and KEYC covered the send-offs in St.Paul in Prepare To Leave For Kosovo.

Reminder: National Guard send-off ceremony tonight in Austin

Just a reminder that not all our National Guard soldiers are coming home. Some are being deployed on a peacekeeping mission in Kosovo. If you can, those leaving for training would probably appreciate seeing you at the Armory in Austin tonight:

The community is invited to attend the deployment ceremony on July 15 at the Austin Armory, where U.S. Rep. Tim Walz will speak. Former Austin Mayor Bonnie Rietz will serve as the master of ceremony.

"It's a nice way to prepare everybody for the departure and for the community to say good-bye and thank you," said Teri Wermager, coordinator of the Family Readiness support group. "That's how the community can show their support."

Go & Do

What: Deployment send-off ceremony.

When: 6 p.m. July 15.

Where: Austin Armory, 800 21st St. N.E.

Congressman Walz, who served for 24 years in the Army National Guard, led the successful fight to retain combat status for the Kosovo mission.

More in 344th going to Kosovo in July about the deployment, and about Teri Wermager's work for other families in Guard offers sessions to help soldiers return to civilian life. Can you spare some time to show support for her own husband's deployment?

Friday morning news digest: appropriations, conventions, deployments

KEYC-TV reports that Walz Announces First Step In Funding For Projects Across S. Minnesota:

Several appropriation bills have cleared their first hurdle at the state capitol. Congressman Tim Walz announcing two projects in our area approved by the appropriations committee. $350,000 for construction on highway 14 from Waseca to Owatonna. And $350,000 for planning and environmental review along highway 14 from North Mankato to New Ulm.

Representative Walz talked about this yesterday in his district press call.  He noted while some will object purely on ideological terms to funding coming to the district, the reformed earmark process asked legislator to put their names on the money they asked for their districts. No more the anonymous slush slipped into a bill in the middle of the night, but a transparent process.

The projects Walz requested also assured local control of federal dollars, for projects communities and state agencies requested, rather than having the money go into a big pot held by the federal department of transportation.

It is possible that the appropriations could be removed on the House floor or in conference committee, but Walz thought that was unlikely.

He doubted that anyone would call Highway 14 a road to nowhere. We have provided a map for those who might be tempted to tell people living in Rochester, Owatonna, Mankato and New Ulm about their insignificance, or the reason they should put up with a notoriously unsafe road.

Political Hot Spot
KTTC reports on the 2008 state conventions in Rochester. Why such a hot spot? Go read the article to find out.

Austin Daily News: Send-off for Guard bound to Kosovo
Although the deployment is being overshadowed by the long awaited return of hundred of Guard members from Iraq, soldiers are being sent to Kovoso.  The ADN reports Public invited to National Guard send-off:

The public is invited to a send off ceremony for  Minnesota  Army National Guard soldiers leaving for military duty in Kosovo.                               

The ceremony begins 6 p.m. Sunday at the Austin Armory, headquarters of  Fox Company, 334th BSB, LMT.

Formerly “Bravo Company,” the soldiers are veterans of duty in Iraq, having served there in 2005.

Congressman Walz will be among the speakers.

Mankato Free Press LTE: Walz understands air traffic contral system's importance
Reed Miller of Byron writes his appreciation in Walz understands air traffic control system’s importance:

I want to let your readership know how much I and my fellow air traffic controllers at the Rochester International Airport appreciate that Congressman Tim Walz recently cast a vote for the restoration of our collective bargaining rights.

The FAA unilaterally imposed work and pay rules last Labor Day weekend, adding to a critical staffing shortage that threatens the safety and efficiency of our skies. Walz understands what effect the air traffic control system has, not just in Rochester, or the 1st District, but on aviation in the United States as a whole.

I would like to thank Walz for acting on behalf of safety of the flying public by voting to protect our rights to fair contract negotiations that will stem the tide of controller retirements and stabilize the controller workforce.

Netroots
A National Farmers Union intern from the Dakotas meets Tim Walz in surreality.

Happy birthday to BSP
One year ago today, we posted our first entry about the First Congressional District contest. Send gifts now.  On second thought, contributing to Tim Walz's re-election campaign would be the best present ever.

 

Early evening education edition: Veterans and college students

One of our favorite National Guard soldiers tells the tale of how difficult for her to return textbooks at a MnSCU school when she was called up to serve in Iraq.  Eventually, she was given a refund upon return of the books to the campus bookstore, but she had to beg for permission, all the way up to her school's president.

Yesterday, Tim Walz signed on to legislation that will help reservists/students with even bigger financial problems a call-up can pose:

Today, Congressman Walz signed on as a cosponsor of the Veterans Tuition and Support Act (VETS) of 2007, which provides assistance and financial protection for servicemembers who are in the process of earning a degree or paying back educational loans.

“This legislation guarantees basic safeguards for military reservists who are called to deploy to Iraq or Afghanistan in the midst of their college careers,” said Walz. “Too many of our youngest veterans are facing unique hardships associated with the interruption of their schooling and the repayment of their student loans.”

Walz continued, “This bill is an extra measure to both ensure a soldier’s financial security while he or she is deployed and to simplify his or her continued educational progress upon return.  Minnesota’s communities go above and beyond to help soldiers with reintegration; it is time we ask lenders and educational institutions to share that commitment to our returning heroes.”

The legislation amends the Service Members Civil Relief Act to require colleges and universities to refund service members’ tuition and fees for any unearned credit for the term in which they are activated for duty.  It also requires schools to readmit student soldiers after their deactivation.  The bill would give military personnel a 13-month grace period after their return home before their student loans come due. Many vets need this grace period to find employment and ease the stress of transitioning back to civilian life.  Finally, the legislation would cap student loans for servicemembers at a 6-percent interest rate.

Nor is he forgetting the needs of the many other college students in his district. He cast a significant vote on their behalf today:

Today, Rep. Tim Walz voted for H.R. 2669, the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007, which would provide the federal government’s single largest investment in higher education in more than 60 years.  The legislation passed the House 273-149.

A former teacher at Mankato West High School, Walz said, “As an educator, I’ve seen some of my most promising students prevented from realizing their potential because their families simply couldn’t afford to send them to college.  Today, the House affirmed that what should matter is where these young people are going, not where they come from.”

The legislation would drastically increase federal dollars available for college financial aid, adding about $18 billion over the next five years.

“This bill is a victory for middle-class families and for our country’s economic security,” said Walz.  “America’s economic strength and its place in the world depend on the ingenuity and skills of our workforce.  College education has never been more important to our young people or to our country, but it has never been more difficult to afford.”

The legislation would help millions of students and families pay for college, but does so at no new cost to U.S. taxpayers.  The bill pays for itself by cutting $19 billion in unnecessary federal subsidies for private lenders.  The bill would also provide nearly $1 billion in deficit reduction to the federal budget.

About 6 million low- and moderate-income students would benefit from the legislation, which would increase the maximum value of the Pell Grant scholarship by $500 over the next three years. Combined with other increases, either passed or proposed in the House of Representatives, the College Cost Reduction Act will help the maximum Pell Grant reach $5,200 by 2010.

The College Cost Reduction Act also cuts interest rates on federal student loans from 6.8 percent to 3.4 percent throughout the next five years, saving the average borrower $4,400 over the life of their loans. About 67,468 Minnesota students use federal student loans to help finance their education each year.

Third District Republican Jim Ramstad joined Minnesota's Democratic Representatives in voting for H.R. 2669, while Representatives Kline and Bachmann voted against it.

July 15: Kosovo deployment send-off ceremony at Austin Armory

The Rochester Post Bulletin reports on two siblings who will deploy together when their National Guard unit leaves for training, then Kosovo:

Mark and Stephanie Erickson share more than just blood. They share a mission.

The brother and sister, children of Larry and Sherri Erickson of Austin, are both part of Company F, 334th Brigade Support Battalion of the 135th Infantry, 2nd Battalion. They will depart from home on July 18 for a mission in Kosovo, along with about 88 other troops from across southern Minnesota. They are scheduled to arrive in Kosovo in October or November, following three months of training.

Mark, 21, says he's ready to go. Stephanie, 19, says she is a little more hesitant because she has never been away from home for such a long time.

Area residents can show their appreciate by attending a send-off ceremony on July 15:

The community is invited to attend the deployment ceremony on July 15 at the Austin Armory, where U.S. Rep. Tim Walz will speak. Former Austin Mayor Bonnie Rietz will serve as the master of ceremony.

"It's a nice way to prepare everybody for the departure and for the community to say good-bye and thank you," said Teri Wermager, coordinator of the Family Readiness support group. "That's how the community can show their support."

Go & Do

What: Deployment send-off ceremony.

When: 6 p.m. July 15.

Where: Austin Armory, 800 21st St. N.E.

Congressman Walz, who served for 24 years in the Army National Guard, led the successful fight to retain combat status for the Kosovo mission.

Albert Lea Tribune: Rep. Walz proud of work done

Albert Lea Tribune staff writer Sarah Light talked to Tim Walz about his first 100 days in office. Some excerpts:

. . .His proudest achievement thus far, said the 1st District Congressman from Mankato, is the work he’s been able to support on veteran’s care, especially in light of his 24 years in the U.S. National Guard. Some of the legislation related to veteran’s care that he has worked on include fully funding the transition period from when soldiers are out serving to when they return home.

During his time so far in office, he’s also been appointed to three committees — the House Agriculture Committee, Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee — and has served as the vice president of the Democratic freshman class. Most recently, he was appointed to the Congressional-Executive Commission on China. . . .

. . .Now, he’s in the middle of several farm bill discussions around the district, receiving input from local farmers, citizens and community leaders about concerns and suggestions for the legislation.

The 2007 Farm Bill, Walz said, will provide funding for several federal priorities important to Minnesota, including the farm safety net programs, conservation, rural development, renewable energy research, school lunch programs and disaster assistance.

He will be in Albert Lea Monday for another farm bill meeting at 2 p.m. at Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services.

Another post about yet another Walz public meeting: meth impact forum

Tim Walz has scheduled yet another public meeting in Southern Minnesota, according to his latest press advisory:

On Tuesday, April 10th, Rep. Tim Walz will host a regional forum about the impact of meth on southern Minnesota.  The forum will address the need for all levels of government to work together in combating the production and use of meth and will include speakers from state and local government.

WHAT: Regional Forum on the Impacts of Meth
WHERE: Midwest Wireless Civic Center, Room 243
1 Civic Center Plaza
Mankato, Minnesota
WHEN: Tuesday, April 10th, 10:00am

The forum is free and open to the public. The forum will include presentations from:
* State Senator Julie Rosen
* Minnesota Gang and Drug Taskforce Coordinator Bob Bushman
* Minnesota Department of Human Services Program & Policy Specialist Jeff Hunsberger
* Minnesota Meth Coordinator Chuck Noerenberg
* Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner

In addition to the meth meeting, Rep. Walz will participate in the following events on April 10th:

8am KDOG Morning Show
Rep. Tim Walz will co-host the 8 o'clock hour of the KDOG morning show with Brad and Sarah.  The show broadcasts in the Mankato area on 96.7FM and in western Minnesota on KNSG 94.7FM.

2:00-4:00 New Ulm Farm Bill Meeting
Martin Luther College
Luther Student Center Building Cafeteria
1995 Luther Court
New Ulm, Minnesota

The Rochester Post Bulletin reports on last night's meeting in Austin in Walz gathers input on federal farm bill:

The 40 or so people gathered in the basement of the Elks Lodge in Austin to discuss the farm bill know its importance.

But most people don't, said Rep. Tim Walz, D-Minn. Walz is conducting nine farm bill hearings in the 1st District this month to hear from people affected by the bill.

The effect of the farm bill is far-reaching. It funds everything from school lunch programs to filter strips along waterways to rural infrastructure upgrades. The bill is up for reauthorization this year.

"When we create a budget document, we are impacting people's lives in a very real way," Walz said of the work in Congress. The document is a moral document because it reflects the nation's values, he said.

Walz serves on the House Agriculture Committee. Fellow Minnesotan Rep. Collin Peterson is the committee chairman. Peterson has directed committee members to gather input from their constituents through early May in preparation for writing a new farm bill and enacting it by September.

Find out what the farmers told Walz by reading the full PB article.

The Austin Daily Herald reports on Walz's meeting with veterans in During Austin visit, Walz's ‘to do' list gets longer.  Many veterans attended and they wanted action:

First District Rep. Tim Walz, D-Minn., said Wednesday night “a promise raised should be a promise kept.”

America's veterans have heard that before, but Walz brings new hope that he will keep the promises he makes.

After all, he's the highest ranking enlisted man in the U.S. Armed Forces ever to serve in Congress.

And only a year ago today, he was teaching classes at Mankato West High School instead of traveling the 1st Congressional District with an entourage.

Walz spoke to a large crowd of area veterans Wednesday night at the Austin Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1216.

Earlier Wednesday in Austin, he discussed a new Farm Bill with area farmers, but the veterans and their spouses gathered at the VFW Hall Wednesday night proved the most demanding.

Learn more about their demands in the Austin Daily Herald. We agree with Representative Walz's conclusion in the article:

One by one, veterans made their demands known of the new congressman, who defeated six-term incumbent Gil Gutknecht last November.

One by one, Walz looked them in the eye and gave them an answer and assigned an aide to “get on this immediately;” a phrase heard repeatedly.

Norm Hecimovich, Walz's veterans affairs liaison in the 1st District, watched and listened and took his own notes of things he could do.

It was a night of requests and demands and the new congressman's own pledge to help in whatever way a retired Command Sergeant Major in the U.S. Army can in Washington D.C.

“The one constant for all you veterans is that the nation must be there for you,” Walz said.

In other news, the PB reports that Labor board files charges against Holiday Inn Express:

The National Labor Relations Board is taking its dispute with the Holiday Inn Express over the dismissal of 18 hotel workers before an administrative law judge. . . .

. . . The discovery that the 18 workers were out of jobs came four days before Christmas and days after CMPJ, a Texas-based firm, purchased the hotel from its longtime owner, Sunstone Properties. CMPJ Enterprises argues that the transaction with Sunstone was an asset purchase only and that the workers were never the employees of the company in the first place.

According to the complaint, the NLRB alleges that soon after the purchase was made, CMPJ Enterprises, through an agent, "threatened employees by stating that (CMPJ Enterprises) would not retain employees who had been with the union and (CMPJ Enterprise) did not want union employees."

It also states that representatives of CMPJ Enterprises have refused to bargain with or recognize Local 21 since the firm became the owners of the hotel.