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Los Angeles, at the crossroads between Latin America and the Pacific Rim, is ground zero for all the forces that bear on the welfare reform debate. Our landscape features thriving industries bolstered by a publicly funded infrastructure, a rising immigrant population that toils in the most dynamic sectors of the economy and multitudes of working poor in the shadows of billionaires.
When he signs the welfare reform bill, President Clinton will have made a calculated political decision in heat of election-year battle. Leaders from government, industry and organized labor and community service organizations must now respond with a moral decision to do what is right for our people and our economy.
Last year, these diverse sectors proved that it can be done. The largest county workers' union--Service Employees International Union Local 660--spearheaded a broad-based coalition that halted a potentially devastating wave of L.A. County budget cuts. A powerful alliance of labor, political and civic leaders rallied to defend jobs and services, ultimately securing state...