James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund

James R. Hoffa became a Teamster member in 1934 and served as General President for 14 years, and, in recognition of his tireless service to the Union and its members, was honored as General President Emeritus for life. At the November 1999 General Executive Board meeting, General Secretary-Treasurer C. Thomas Keegel presented a resolution to establish the new scholarship fund. This site describes the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund (JRHMSF) and outlines eligibility requirements and application procedures. The 2012/2013 scholarship for high school seniors begins in November 2011 with a deadline of March 31, 2012.

The 2011 Essay Contest will begin in July 2012.

The James R Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund is an independent organization established and registered as a tax exempt entity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Fund is established solely to provide scholarships to the children and dependents of members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and contributions to the Fund are deductible as charitable contributions to the extent permitted by law. The International Union provides certain in kind services to the Fund, such as this portion of the union web site, in order to benefit members and their children and dependents.

President Obama Calls To Congratulate Hoffa On Teamsters Election Victory

December 7, 2011

Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa takes a congratulatory phone call in his office from President Obama at 11:57 a.m. on Dec. 7. The President called to congratulate Hoffa on his overwhelming victory in the recent IBT election. Hoffa's fourth term as General President begins in March.

Hoffa: Congress Must Pass Jobs Legislation Now

January 11, 2012

By Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa
Published in The Detroit News on January 11, 2012

The latest news about jobs was good, but it wasn't good enough.

America created 200,000 jobs in December, the sixth month in a row the economy added at least 100,000 jobs. Unfortunately, it will take a lot more new jobs than that to significantly lower the unemployment rate.

That's why Congress must pass President Obama's American Jobs Act — now. His proposal to create new jobs is made up of ideas that both Democrats and Republicans said they support. A wide range of economists agree Obama's jobs plan will prevent a double-dip recession by increasing economic growth and creating thousands of new jobs. Moody's rating service estimates it would create 1.9 million jobs.

Republicans in Congress, though, have shown they are more interested in partisan politics than in helping their constituents. It's past time for obstructionists to recognize the jobs crisis is an American problem, and they are responsible for helping to solve it.

Since President Obama introduced the American Jobs Act in September, the bill has been broken into pieces. One part of it, "Returning Heroes," has already passed. That measure grants hiring tax credits to employers who hire jobless military veterans.

Much remains to be done, however. Congress has rejected the president's plan to rebuild our infrastructure and create a bipartisan National Infrastructure Bank. These investments would put Americans back to work modernizing our roads, rail, airports and waterways. They would be covered by Davis-Bacon prevailing wage and Buy American provisions.

Another part of the American Jobs Act would put construction workers back on the job to renovate public schools across the country. It would also prevent up to 280,000 teacher layoffs, while keeping firefighters and police officers — thousands of whom are Teamsters — on the job.

Extending unemployment benefits is another element of the president's jobs plan. Not only is it the right thing to do, it's the smart thing to do. Studies shows unemployment benefits are spent, boosting local economies.

Extending the payroll tax cut was also part of the American Jobs Act. Congress agreed to a two-month extension in December, but we need to extend it permanently. Putting more money in the pockets of working Americans is a good way to get our economy moving again. The president's plan also makes certain that Social Security will still receive every dollar it would have gotten otherwise.

President Obama pays for all of these proposals with tax hikes on those who can best afford to pay them. Many of our wealthiest Americans pay a lower tax rate than low-income wage earners. Polls show that most people think taxes should be raised on millionaires. Not only is the president's tax proposal popular, but it makes economic sense as well.

As we head into the new year, our elected officials in Washington would do well to remember that the jobs crisis isn't President Obama's problem. It isn't a Republican or Democratic problem. It's an American problem.