Campaigns

View all news and events related to state, federal and local budgets, elections, retirement reform and other political issues related to public service employees.

Introducing AccountableCalifornia.org, a Project of SEIU 721

AccountableCalifornia.orgAccountableCalifornia.org, a project of SEIU 721's Center for Public Accountability, is focused on helping make government work better for Californians and improving the quality and cost effectiveness of public services through original investigative research and analysis.

Learn more: AccountableCalifornia.org.

Health Worker Summit Focuses on Health Care's Future

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Health care workers from SEIU locals across California and the country came together at a conference to learn how health care reform legislation will affect their jobs, their workplaces and the future of health care.

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"I thought I knew about health care reform," said Kwame Welsh, a health information associate at High Desert Health Systems in Lancaster. "This is probably the biggest thing to happen politically in this country in the last 25 years, and I learned so much about it."

The conference was held in San Jose on June 26 and 27 and offered a chance for public health care workers to exchange ideas about how to implement the changes Congress and President Obama recently enacted into law.

"More people than ever will be coming into the system," said LA County Health Educator Paula Miller. "The statement 'Well, that's the way we've always done it' won't exist anymore, because we're going to have new ways of doing everything that are going to be much more efficient." 

She added that thanks to events like the conference, "SEIU 721 members will know about the new health delivery systems that will bring improvements in health care."

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"This conference emphasized the importance of working together," said Ali Paula, a clinical therapist from Indio. "As we continue to collaborate with other agencies, the services we provide the public will be more effective."

Miller agrees. She said "Everyone has to be unified to make these changes happen--public health agencies, non-profit organizations, government agencies and front-line health care workers. 

When he returned from the weekend conference, Welsh couldn't wait to share the information he picked up with his colleagues. "I told all of my co-workers, 'Reform means change for the good.'"

Later this summer, SEIU 721 members will have the opportunity to attend local health care reform workshops in their communities. In the meantime, if you'd like to learn more about how you can help reform health care, contact Nicole Moore via email or at (213) 251-3707.

 

A Strong Advocate for the Desert: Supervisor John Benoit Wins

This election year, Desert members poured their energy, time and effort to electing John J. Benoit and it was all worth it on June 8.

After being appointed in November, Supervisor Benoit will continue to serve the residents of the 4th district, which includes most of the Coachella Valley.

SEIU members and staff braved triple digit heat to walk precincts and get the word out about Benoit. Our efforts included knocking on doors, calling residents and holding town halls to inform the community of Benoit's commitment to support public services, create green jobs and rebuild our local economy.

Paula.Ali.Clinical Therapist

"Our goal is to strengthen relationships with our elected leaders and establish open lines of communication and understanding to fulfill our mission of serving the public," said Alia Paula, a clinical therapist in Indio.

Video: City Council of Los Angeles Votes to Hold Banks Accountable



Los Angeles City Council members passed an ordinance May 21 to hold banks accountable for vacant foreclosures, which would generate millions for the city and improve blighted neighborhoods.

Visit www.lahoodwinked.com to learn more and report a vacant foreclosure in your neighborhood.



Lindoria-Horn-80x80-web.jpg"Big banks have profited off the financial crisis and they are costing the city of LA money in more ways than one," said Lindoria Horn, a gardener-caretaker in the city's Recreation & Parks department. "When there are problems at these vacant houses the taxpayers pay to send police, building inspectors, fire, graffiti abatement, tree trimmers and more. That's money LA doesn't have and it's contributing to service cuts."

June 8: Support Candidates Who Support Working Families

Vote Tuesday, June 8

SEIU 721 members interviewed candidates seeking our support and endorsement for the June primary election. Several candidates got a closer look at public service as a part of our Walk a Day in Our Shoes program. Members questioned candidates about their stance on contracting out jobs, supporting increased revenues to protect services, protecting our retirement and much more.

Endorsement is based on issues, not political affiliation, and reflect SEIU members' and the executive board's assessment of how candidates will support working families and public services.

Election Day choices are yours alone to make, but please use the following recommendations to assist you in making an informed decision.

Governor: Jerry Brown

Attorney General:
(SEIU members found
three qualified candidates):
Kamala Harris, Ted Lieu, Alberto Torrico

Insurance Commissioner:
Hector De La Torre


U.S. Congress:
District 3, Dr. Ami Bera
District 23, Lois Capps
District 24, Tim Allison
District 26, Russ Warner
District 27, Brad Sherman
District 28, Howard Berman
District 29, Adam Schiff
District 30, Henry Waxman
District 31, Xavier Becerra
District 32, Judy Chu
District 33, Karen Bass
District 34, Lucille Roybal-Allard
District 35, Maxine Waters

LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGION

State Senate:
District 20, Alex Padilla
District 22, Kevin De Leon
District 24, Dr. Ed Hernandez

State Assembly:
District 39, Felipe Fuentes
District 40, Bob Blumenfield
District 42, Mike Feuer
District 43, Mike Gatto
District 44, Anthony Portantino
District 45, Gil Cedillo
District 47, Reggie Jones-Sawyer*
District 48, Mike Davis
District 49, Mike Eng
District 50, Ricardo Lara
District 51, Steve Bradford

LA County Assessor:
John Noguez

Los Angeles County
Democratic Central Committee:

District 36, Yolanda Lawrence*
District 38, Janet Linsalato**
District 51, Patricia Sanders*
     Gloria Gray*
  

City Council:
Long Beach City Council, District 7,
Tonia Reyes-Uranga

LA Superior Court Judge:
Office 28, Chris Garcia*
Office 107, Valerie Salkin

*SEIU 721 Member

ORANGE COUNTY

State Senate:
District 34, Lou Correa

State Assembly:
District 68, Phu Nguyen

INLAND AREA REGION

State Senate:
District 37, Justin Blake

State Assembly:
District 62, Wilmer Amina Carter

Riverside County:
Board of Supervisors
     District 2, John Tavaglione
     District 4, John Benoit
     District 5, Marion Ashley
Auditor Controller, Ivan Chand

Measures:
Eastvale City Incorporation Measure A, Yes
Eastvale Council At Large Measure B, Yes

City Council:
Eastvale City Council, Adam Rush
Eastvale City Council, Kelly Howell
Eastvale City Council, Oliver Unaka

TRI-COUNTIES REGION

State Senate:
District 15, John Laird

State Assembly:
District 33, Hilda Zacarias

Santa Barbara County:
Board of Supervisors
     District 2, Janet Wolf

Ventura County:
Board of Supervisors
     District 2, Linda Parks
Sheriff, Geoff Dean
Treasurer, Judge Steven Hintz
Clerk, Jim Dantona

STATEWIDE PROPOSITIONS

Prop 13, NO POSITION

Property Tax - New Construction. Exclusion for Seismic Retrofitting.
Prop. 13 writes current tax practice into the Constitution and it has no effect on SEIU members.

Prop 14, OPPOSE, VOTE "NO"
Top Two "Open" Primary Election.
The "Open Primary" measure will make it more expensive to win seats for candidates who support working families.

Prop 15, NO POSITION
Public Financing for Secretary of State.
Prop. 15 creates public financing for Secretary of State candidates who choose to limit their spending and who show a broad base of small
donor support; while it might reduce corporate influence, it would also restrict SEIU members' role in supporting candidates who choose the
public financing option.



Lt. Governor: Janice Hahn

Superintendent of Public Instruction:
Tom Torlakson

Board of Equalization:
District 1, Betty Yee
District 2, Chris Parker
District 4, Jerome Horton



District 36, Jane Harman
District 37, Laura Richardson
District 38, Grace Napolitano
District 39, Linda Sanchez
District 40, Christina Avalos
District 41, Patrick Meagher
District 43, Joe Baca
District 46, Ken Arnold
District 47, Loretta Sanchez
District 51, Bob Filner
District 53, Susan Davis






District 26, Curren Price
District 30, Ron Calderon



District 52, Isadore Hall
District 53, Nick Karno*
District 54, Bonnie Lowenthal
District 55, Wayne Furutani
District 56, Tony Mendoza
District 57, Roger Hernandez
District 58, Charles Calderon
District 59, Darcel Woods
District 61, Norma Torres








District 55, Waymon Baker*
     Everil Nelson*
     Wilma Wilson*
District 57, Richard Gibson*







Office 117, Alan Schneider


**SEIU 721 Worksite Organizer












District 40, Mary Salas


District 65, Carl Wood


Assessor, Larry Ward
Treasurer, Don Kent
Sheriff, Stan Sniff
District Attorney, Rod Pacheco







Eastvale City Council, William "Bill" Fisher
Eastvale City Council, Jeff DeGrandpre





District 35, Das Williams


District 41, Julia Brownley






County Judge
     Seat 1: Lela Henke-Dobroth
     Seat 10: Ellen Gay Conroy





Prop 16, OPPOSE, VOTE "NO"
2/3 Vote Requirement for Local Public Electricity.

By increasing the vote requirement to 2/3 for the expansion of public utilities, Prop. 16 increases the monopoly power of PG&E and other private utilities, which are backing it with an expensive, multi-million dollar campaign. PG&E alone plans to spend $35 million. It is opposed by consumer watchdog groups, public utilities and green energy advocates.

Prop 17, OPPOSE, VOTE "NO"
Auto Insurance Prices Based Partly on Drivers' History of Coverage.

Prop. 17 is backed by the auto insurance industry; it allows companies to reward long-standing, continuous clients with discounts. Lower-income people, who may have less continuous coverage, stand to lose.

Temecula Member Presents the Facts about Retirement in Local Newspaper

Tim Burke, a Lead Water Distribution Operator for the City of Hemet, was recently published in the "Your Views" section of the Press Enterprise on May 10, 2010. Burke is also an SEIU 721 Executive Board member living in Temecula. 

"Pension gift? No" by Tim Burke  

Tim Burke 3, City of Hemet Lead Water Distribution Operator

For The P-E to suggest that our pensions are "largesse," or a gift, in other words, is outrageous ("Pension largesse," Our Views, May 1). The pensions that Riverside County employees receive are earned as a part of their total compensation for the work they do. The contracts are negotiated through employers and employee unions and are agreed upon by both sides.

The National Institute on Retirement Security recently completed a study comparing the public and private sectors over 20 years. It shows that public sector employees are paid less than those in the private sector even after accounting for the value of retirement, health care and other benefits.

The recent sharp increase in the cost of funding these retirements is a direct result of the current economic downturn. When the economy was booming and the county had to contribute little to none toward these pension funds, what did it do with the money then for planning purposes? Maybe you should ask the County's Pension Advisory Review Committee this? I believe everyone who has worked hard should be able to retire with dignity and security.

To link to the Press Enterprise Letter to the Editor, click here.

Mary Kay Henry Will Lead SEIU

The thirty-year veteran organizer will serve as president following Andy Stern's retirement.
 
mary-kay-henry_speaking_700e.jpgThe 73-member International Executive Board (IEB) of the Service Employees International Union elected Executive Vice President Mary Kay Henry the 10th president of the nation's fastest-growing union, May 8.
 
"This moment marks a renewed commitment to our union's core mission: to improve the lives of all workers who are struggling to make ends meet in this economy," Henry said.  "Working people are facing hardships we haven't seen in generations, and we believe SEIU can be an even more effective vehicle for change to help them improve their lives and the lives of the people they serve.
 
"We will get this done by renewing our commitment to organizing, connecting our members at the grassroots level to our political strength and restoring our relationships throughout the American labor movement - because just like I learned as a little girl in a family of twelve, we can't go it alone. Everything is better when you can organize a group and make a decision to stand and act on behalf of all workers in this country."
 
Henry is noted for working side-by-side with SEIU members - meeting with them at 3 a.m. on night shifts in hospitals, walking picket lines, leading members in contract bargaining, and helping them discover the strength they have when they stand together.
 
Linda-Dent_VicePresident_80x80.jpg"Mary Kay is going to take our union to the next level. She is the type of leader who understands workers and listens to what we need. She understands the times we're in and she has the smarts and ideas to move us forward," said Linda Dent, SEIU 721 Vice President.


Meet Me in Sacramento

R1-22A.jpgMore than 130 SEIU Local 721 member leaders and few lucky staff traveled to Sacramento by bus April 21 to participate in a historic rally and march for California's future - to stop classroom overcrowding, make our neighborhoods safer, and allow more families the opportunity to access affordable and quality health care.


SEIU 721 Member Counters the Myths about Retirement

Georkeisha Campbell, SEIU Local 721 member and Intermediate Typist-Clerk for Los Angeles County, was asked to address the Little Hoover Commission in Sacramento about retirement pensions. The commission is studying the long-term health of current public employee pension programs.

Campbell gave the commission a look at the real story about retirement: Secure retirements are sustainable and the majority of public workers contribute to their own pension.

"I have always believed that if I work hard, save for my retirement and play by the rules that a Georkeisha_Campbell_ITC_Olive_View_80x80.jpgsecure retirement is not a reward but something I earned. All retirement funds in this country were hit hard by the recent recession but that does not mean they are not sustainable. Much of the loss at Cal-PERS and other pension systems can be attributed to banks and Wall Street NOT playing by the rules and hopefully, something can be done about that."  Georgkeisha Campbell

If the commission believes changes are necessary they will make recommendations for the future which could include legislation. The commission will be studying the retirement issue over the next several months and may hold more public hearings. The bipartisan commission is comprised of nine California citizens appointed by the Governor and Assembly, two Senators and two Assembly members.  
 
Cambell's Statement to Little Hoover Commission.pdf

 

Protect Your Street From Run-Down Foreclosures at LAHoodwinked.com

Are you worried about how foreclosed homes are blighting our neighborhoods? Then visit LAHoodwinked.com, where you can join Angelenos who are demanding banks maintain properties so taxpayers aren't stuck with the bill for cleaning up bank-owned houses.

Vacant foreclosures can invite crime and drag down property values, and the cost of maintaining them is contributing to LA's budget crisis. There are more than 40,000 foreclosures in the City of Los Angeles alone.

At LAHoodwinked.com you can:

  • Look up homes in your neighborhood to find out if they are bank-owned
  • Report homes with serious health and safety problems including overgrown weeds, trash or unmaintained pools
  • Upload photos of blighted houses in the City of Los Angeles

Under state law, banks could be forced to pay up to $1,000 per day for unkempt houses. The proposal is part of the Strong Budget proposed by city workers to generate revenue for city services.

LA County Budget Plan Has Cuts ... And Room for Hope

LA County's budget plan released on April 19 includes cuts to public health, libraries and public safety but also keeps core services mostly intact. That's in part because of hard work by LA County employees.

Last year, 55,000 employees represented by SEIU Local 721 negotiated contracts that recognized the hard times, protected family health care and will Build a Better LA County by giving workers a voice in making government more efficient and effective for residents.

This year LA County employees are working to preserve funding from the state. Because LA County is mostly funded by state and federal budgets, cuts proposed by Gov. Schwarzenegger could lead to more service reductions for families, hospitals and neighborhoods.

Linda Dent 80x80.jpg"We came into bargaining with a slogan of building a better LA County, and we meant it. LA County is in better shape than some areas because we got ahead of the problem. But this year is still going to be tough for employees and our clients. We're trying to lay a strong foundation for recovery, not cut programs even more."
- Linda Dent, SEIU 721 Vice President and Intermediate Clerk, Registrar-Recorder

 

What LA County has proposed: 2010-11 budget is $22.7 billion, down $885 million. LA County is facing a $510.5-million budget gap. To reduce this budget gap, the County is proposing:

  • $175.2 million in ongoing departmental reductions, largely due to eliminating vacant positions. This may include up to 100 layoffs. However this is preliminary. We are proposing to find savings in efficiency, not cuts in personnel.
  • $220 million in one-time bridge funding, extension of federal funds and ongoing revenue solutions.
  • Other proposed cuts include $128 million at the Sheriff's Department, elimination of unfilled deputy and other positions, and reductions in overtime
  • $7.9 million cut to the public health department budget
  • $7.9 million cut to the property assessor's office, affecting appraisals, information technology projects and other services
  • $7.4-million to the Department of Public Social Services
  • $4.8-million from the county's public libraries, resulting in fewer hours at some libraries and the elimination of an adult literacy program.

What we are saying:

SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

Antonio Mendoza 80x80.jpg"The Sheriff's Department is releasing hundreds of inmates earlier because of budget cuts. Public safety will be in jeopardy. We should look at the proper deployment of the staff we do have. Instead of replacing professional staff with deputies, one of the solutions could be to employ civilians and keep sworn personnel on the street."
- Tony Mendoza, evidence and property custodian II, Twin Towers

HEALTH SERVICES

Adam Benson_Recreational Therapist_Augustus Hawkins_LA County.jpg"I am marching to the State Capital to ensure that County workers and future County workers have an opportunity to make a decent living in the great state of California. We stand up now or lie down soon."
-Adam Benson, recreational therapist, Augustus Hawkins Mental Health Center

SOCIAL SERVICES

Marlene Allen 80x80.jpg"If the budget is cut there's less funding for the families who need it now. We're talking about middle class families who have been affected by the economic downturn, who find themselves in a CalWorks office and never thought they'd be there. We should be there when they need us. We need to let the Legislature know that we can't afford any more cuts."
- Marlene Allen, GAIN Case Worker, DPSS

 

After Years of Service, Riverside County Workers Seek a Secure Retirement

Boyland, Howard + Diltz Bonnie

Riverside County account techs Bonnie Diltz and Howard Boyland both have retirement on the horizon.

"We're working to be self-reliant in our retirement and to know that our years of service meant something. At the end of the day, we want to have pride and know we did a job well done," Diltz and Boyland said.   

Now more than ever, protecting retirement is a concern for Riverside County workers and in jeopardy statewide. The SEIU 721 Riverside County bargaining team is tackling the issue in current contract negotiations to ensure a secure future. 

Northeast Valley Health Corporation Employees Stand Strong for a Fair Contract

Since March 1, employees at Northeast Valley Health Corporation (NEVHC) have been meeting with management and joining together to negotiate employer-paid family health insurance and a wage scale to encourage employee longevity and retention.

SEIU Workers Back Candidates Committed to Rebuilding California in Statewide Office Races

(SACRAMENTO) - The Service Employees International union (SEIU) California announced today that it has endorsed Janice Hahn for Lieutenant Governor, Hector De La Torre for Insurance Commissioner and Tom Torlakson for Superintendent of Public Instruction in the upcoming June primary election.  In the race for Attorney General, Kamala Harris, Ted Lieu and Alberto Torrico all received the endorsement.

Video: The Time to March is Now!



A diverse coalition of labor, business, education and faith groups embarked on a 48-day "March for California's Future" on March 5. On April 21, the march will culminate in a major rally with thousands of marchers and supporters at the Sacramento State Capitol Building.

Together we will fight for:
- Quality public education and public services or every Californian
- Government and economy that serves us all 
- A fair tax system to fund California's future

Learn more about the March on how to get involved at www.fight4cafuture.com


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