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AFL-CIO President John Sweeney announced yesterday that, pending a final vote in May, the labor organization plans to increase the monthly political activities fee paid by members of affiliated unions from 6.5 cents to 7.5 cents this July while at the same time discontinuing efforts to raise voluntary contributions from affiliated unions. One of several measures coming out of the AFL-CIO executive council meeting in New Orleans, the proposed changeover will raise $3.5 million in extra funds and is part of a larger plan to raise $35 million for use in advertising and vote-mobilization efforts before November elections. Other initiatives coming out of the meeting include a further shift of resources to organizing and lobbying efforts and a new focus on issues over party affiliation that is worrying many Democrats and encouraging some Republicans to make a greater effort to appeal to the interests of the labor movement and working families.