On Oct. 3, hundreds of people packed LA City Hall’s south lawn to witness the historic signing of AB 60, the bill
granting drivers’ licenses to undocumented Californians.
The bill’s long-time champion, former state legislator and current LA City Councilman Gil Cedillo spoke, as did LA Mayor Eric Garcetti, State Assembly Speaker John Perez and State Senate leader Darrell Steinberg. Gov. Jerry Brown put the bill in context of California’s history. He recalled that California has always been an immigrant-built state populated by immigrants of all nationalities.
SEIU 721 leaders, including Gilda Valdez, International Latino Caucus Chair and 721 Chief of Staff, were invited to attend the special bill-signing ceremony.
National Day of Action
Also that day, a major press conference announced broad-based labor and community support for the Oct. 5 National Day of Action for Commonsense Immigration Reform. SEIU 721 Executive Board Member Oscar Valladares gave a memorable speech.
Convened by the LA County Federation of Labor, SEIU 721 members and others participated. Oct. 5 actions will happen in LA and 90 other cities across the United States. Here’s information on the LA action:
Saturday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m.
Gather Hollywood Blvd. and Western Ave.
Los Angeles 90027
“Our members work with immigrant communities every day. We need immigration reform. We have the votes. It’s time for Congress to step up and act. California is leading the way.”
-Oscar Valladares,
LA County Department of Mental Health Worker and SEIU 721 Executive Board Member
To get involved with the struggle for immigration reform, contact the SEIU 721 Member Connection: (877) 721-4968.