At the first-ever Inland Region Vision Conference, members asked one key question: how do we solve the economic crisis and move toward prosperity?
SEIU 721 members brought the greatest minds from the Inland Region including more than 50 elected officials, economic experts and community leaders in late January to address the $10.6 billion hole that is jeopardizing public services, jobs and the region’s economic base.
Public service workers, elected officials and experts expressed support and solutions:
“It’s crystal clear that every one of us needs to work together to get out of this. Pitting organizations and labor unions is not in the public’s interest and it wastes time, energy and capital.” -Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner Stanley Sniff
“There has always been an understanding that there must be a contentious relationship between unions and public employers. I’m here to tell you that is not the case. I want to applaud you for finding ways to cuts costs and save jobs.” -Jeff Stone, Riverside County Supervisor, District 3
“This was a watershed event. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life. I want to compliment SEIU for being so inclusive.”- Marion Ashley, Riverside County Supervisor, District 5
“There is a message that needs to get out to the State Legislature and that is JOBS, JOBS, JOBS.”- John Husing, Economist specializing in the Inland Region’s economy
“We’re coming together to find solutions during these difficult times. This is a critical moment, as we work to serve millions of residents in the Inland Region.”
-Wendy Thomas, Communications Supervisor
“We need to focus on green jobs.” – C. Robin Reeser Lowe, Hemet Councilmember and President of the League of California Cities
“I see this economic crisis as an opportunity to rebuild the Inland Empire and focus on education and trade.” -Chuck Washington, Temecula City Councilmember
Solutions Driving Our Economy Forward
Members are working on the next steps to stimulate the local economy. One of the obstacles is keeping the state from raiding local government funds that are needed to provide public services.
- Workers propose:
- Form delegations with the League of California Cities, California State Association of Counties, school boards and SEIU members.
- Get politically active: Become a precinct captain.
- Work with the business community to move stimulus money to develop infrastructure in the I-215 Corridor.
- Work with regional water districts to develop a plan for current and future water needs.
- Institute efficiency task forces in local government.
- Support SEIU bond reform efforts.
To get involved, contact the SEIU Local 721 Riverside Regional Office at (951) 686-7372.