1. INTEREST GROUPS JESS LONGHI, LIBBY ARNOLD, CARL WARF, HOPE FATHEREE

2. AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION (ACLU) CURRENT ISSUES WITH LEGISLATION: Opposes House of Refugee Bill, because they believe it makes the resettlement process more rigorous and impossible for refugees. actions to influence public policy/agenda: *ACLU will assist in legal cases where they believe a person’s civil liberties are being infringed upon *they will lobby for legislation they want

3. AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION (ACLU) targeted parts of government: Target the legislative branch by lobbying for public policies/agendas that they support/oppose based on how the legislation affects civil liberties What is the group’s political ideology? More liberal and democratic They are not legally allowed to support candidates financially ACLU are considering suing a Pennsylvania municipality because it opens its meetings with the Lord’s prayer. An ACLU attorney says it is illegal because of the First Amendment because courts have restricted government on preferring any religion. ACLU is trying to influence policy as they are supporting a strict version of the constitution overall and want ensure the public’s guaranteed freedoms

4. AFL-CIO (AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR-CONGRESS OF INDUSTRIAL ORGANIZATIONS) The AFL-CIO is the umbrella organization for unions across the USA. It encompasses 56 unions and 12.5 million workers. The group fights to ensure that all workers receive fair rewards for their work and are treated fairly, decently, and with respect. Some of the main goals of the group include fair treatment of workers, economic justice, and the idea that work connects all people and betters a society.

5. CURRENT ISSUES: Health care benefits: The AFL-CIO is fighting to gain more extensive health care benefits for their members, and workers overall. One example of this is the renewal of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act, an act which would provide affordable health care for those affected by 9/11. It would also make those injured in the rescue (either being rescued or helping) eligible for compensation, and lastly, would make the World Trade Center Compensation Program ineligible for budget sequestration. This act was heavily backed by the AFL- CIO; however, it was blocked by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Civil and Workplace Rights: The AFL-CIO works for employees to have the freedom from employment discrimination and for working families to have the rights to fair benefits, pay, and opportunities. It is also working to secure equal treatment in the workplace for women, minorities, and LGBTQ workers. The efforts of the AFL-CIO can be seen in their multiple petitions and protests on Capitol Hill. The AFL- CIO is also adept at using the legal system to fight for workers rights, especially in civil rights cases and class action lawsuits. Primarily, the AFL-CIO focuses on Congress. More specifically, the group targets powerful people in congress, such as party leaders and the respective Whip of each party. They also attack the heads of committees that might possibly lessen their influence. The AFL-CIO often focuses on Democratic party members, as they are more sympathetic to their wishes. This is a reason why the group does not focus on the executive branch, as the President is a Democrat.

6. POLITICAL IDEOLOGY: Typically, the AFL-CIO leans left and favors the Democratic party. This is primarily due to their ideals of protecting the working class and fighting for minorities. Since its inception, the group has supported a number of Democratic senators and representatives in Congress, and are currently holding internal debates over whether to endorse Bernie Sanders and Hilary Clinton nationally in the 2016 Presidential election. In the past, the AFL-CIO have donated funds to campaigns, raised awareness about a candidate's platform, and held large-scale speaking events for the candidate. In the 2010 midterm elections, the group focused on "getting out the vote." During this effort, the AFL-CIO almost 27 million pieces of mail encouraging members to vote. They have also pushed for legislation to be passed that was championed by their candidate, such as the affiliates in South Carolina and Vermont supporting Bernie Sander's bill on ending the federal ban on marijuana.

7. -Later this winter, Friedrich v. California Teachers Association will be decided at the Supreme Court. -The case argues that government's rights should not prevail over the rights of an individual in the workplace. -In order to promote solidarity, the New Jersey AFL-CIO uploaded a video with the phrase, 'Stay union, stay strong.' - The AFL-CIO says that unions are under attack and people must stand united against moneyed interest, such as the Koch brothers. -The decision of the case will be a precedent for governmental power and influence in the workplace. http://www.aflcio.org/Blog/In-The-States/Stay-Union-Stay-Strong-N.J.-State-AFL-CIO-Calls-for-Solidarity-in-Face-of-Friedrich-s- U.S.-Supreme-Court-Case

8. ASSESSMENT Historically, the AFL-CIO has been very effective in its efforts. With affiliates in all 50 states, it can be argued that the group is one of the most extensive interest groups. With its influence in politics at both the federal and state level, the AFL-CIO is able to secure real change for its members and achieve its overall goals. Specifically, the Washington affiliate of the AFL-CIO had a hand in the minimum wage raise in Seattle, one which the group says is something it would support nationwide. The group has also been effective in its litigation efforts, influencing major cases such as the Supreme Court case United Steelworkers v. Weber (1979) and the upcoming Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association.