Lowry Gets Cheers From Labor Allies Governor Called Last Line Of Defense Against The Gop

Gov. Mike Lowry, facing allegations he sexually harassed his former deputy press secretary, found comfort Thursday in a warm reception from his staunchest allies: organized labor leaders.

The governor made no reference to his troubles and gave a folksy sales pitch for his agenda for the 1995 Legislature. He engaged the new House Republican majority more directly than ever before, saying “some want to play 1996 politics” with some legislation.

He specifically mentioned the Republicans’ approach to regulatory reform, overhaul of the welfare system and liberalization of the state’s teen work rules.

Lowry also rewarded his State Labor Council audience with a ringing defense of many of their issues: jobs, universal health care, collective bargaining rights for state employees and prevailing wages on public projects.

The audience responded with applause, cheers and backslaps when he entered the crowded banquet hall, gave his 15-minute meat-and-potatoes speech and departed.

Council President Rick Bender, a former Democratic state senator, praised Lowry as a friend of labor and said he could be a last line of defense, after the narrowly Democratic Senate, against unfriendly legislation.

“We are facing a very, very hostile House, and believe me, we will need the governor in the next hundred days,” Bender said in his introduction of Lowry.

Most of Lowry’s address was a standard stump speech for his legislative wish list, including his versions of regulatory reform, welfare changes, strong education funding, civil service and contracting-out legislation.

He was at his most animated in criticizing the Republican approach to some issues.

On welfare, he accused Republicans of endangering children by their plan to remove most recipients from the welfare rolls after two years.

“Arbitrary time limits are not welfare reform,” he said. “Is that 5-year-old child supposed to go out and get a job?”He said the Republicans’ proposal will “hit at the child when you’re aiming at the parent.” He stressed the word “children” when referring to the main welfare program as the Aid to Families with Dependent Children program.

Lowry did sign a bill last year limiting most welfare recipients to four years. The state has just requested federal waivers to allow the program to be implemented.

He also disparaged the House Republicans’ regulatory reform effort, saying it is aimed more at electioneering than truly solving the problem. He did not give specifics.

He also indicated he’ll look closely at any bill that liberalizes teen work rules too much. Kids don’t need to be working long hours on school nights, he said.