CLEVELAND, April 20 — Steve Brumbaugh was elected Chairman of the Idaho State Legislative Board at Triennial Meetings on April 4.
Brother Brumbaugh is a member of BLET Division 676 in Nampa, Idaho. He is a Union Pacific locomotive engineer who first joined the Brotherhood on January 1, 1996. He had previously served as Chairman from 1996-2002.
“My first priority as Chairman will be getting the legislators in the state to be concerned about railroad issues and labor issues,” Brother Brumbaugh said. “This is a very ””red”” state and we need to get these legislators to the point that they are not afraid to work with us. My other priority will be to increase the PAC funds in the state.”
Brumbaugh replaces outgoing Chairman Mike Hysell, who did not seek reelection. Brother Hysell announced his intention to retire in July at age 60 with 41 years of service to the Union Pacific Railroad.
“The years I have served on the National Association of State Legislative Board Chairman and the Idaho State Chairman have been the best union experience I have had in my career,” Brother Hysell said. “The respect and support I have enjoyed from Vice President John Tolman and all the Chairmen has made my time a rewarding experience.”
Vice President and National Legislative Representative John Tolman congratulated Brother Brumbaugh on his election and thanked Brother Hysell for his service to the board.
“Mike did an excellent job of representing the BLET in a state that is not particularly friendly to workers,” Vice President Tolman said. “He worked hard and never complained about the difficulties he faced. I””m confident that Brother Brumbaugh will continue to work hard for our members in the state of Idaho and I congratulate him on his election.”
The BLET’s Idaho State Legislative Board represents the interests of more than 300 hard working Union Pacific locomotive engineers and trainmen.