Resolution - The Civil Rights for Musicians Act.

WHEREAS, receiving fair pay for a day's labor is a fundamental right of every worker; and
 
WHEREAS, radio stations do not pay performance royalties to musicians when their songs are played on the radio, even though competing media -- such as music-download sites, record stores and satellite radio -- are required to pay performance royalties; and
 
WHEREAS, radio's exemption from performance royalties dates back to the 1920s, when Congress sought to protect what was then a struggling new industry; and
 
WHEREAS, large radio companies no longer require an exemption, because they are now thriving businesses that generate strong advertising revenue thanks to listeners who tune in to listen to popular music; and
 
WHEREAS, a bill entitled the Civil Rights for Musicians Act (HR 848) has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would end radio's unnecessary, outdated exemption from performance royalties; and
 
WHEREAS, large radio stations can easily afford to pay musicians the performance royalties they deserve, amounting to about five commercials per day; and
 
WHEREAS, small radio stations would be protected under the Civil Rights for Musicians Act because their financial obligations under performance royalties would be capped; and
 
WHEREAS, the AFL-CIO the NAACP, and many other organizations have endorsed the Civil Rights for Musicians Act,
 
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that LULAC endorses the Civil Rights for Musicians Act, which is consistent with the principle that every worker should receive fair pay for a fair day's work.

Approved this 18th day of July 2009.

Rosa Rosales
LULAC National President