With less than three weeks until election day, more than 16,300 members joined a 521 tele-townhall Oct. 17 about propositions 32 and 30.
Missed it? Listen here.
SEIU members increasingly are finding the format of live telephone town halls appealing, using them as an opportunity to interact with fellow union members on critical topics of the day.
During the Oct. 17 call, 521 Region 1 Vice President Muriel Frederick and 521 COPE Chair Brian O’Neill hit on the perils of Proposition 32, which will silence the voices of workers and provide exemptions for corporations.
“As union members and public workers, we protect our contract, protect good jobs, and protect our services by getting involved and becoming part of the process with the decision makers, our elected leaders. But if Proposition 32 passes, all of that will go away.”
— Muriel Frederick, SEIU 521 Region 1 Vice President
“Proposition 32 is a very deceptive ballot measure. It claims that it will stop special interests from spending on politics, but really it’s a trick that restricts union members, while allowing special exemptions for Corporations. In other words, the restrictions apply to us, not them.”
— Brian O’Neill, SEIU 521 COPE Chair
Teachers from California Teachers Association also joined the call to discuss Proposition 30, the Schools and Safety Protection Act.
“After years and years of cuts, California’s public schools, universities, and public safety services are at the breaking point. As a teacher, I see first-hand the need to get our schools and safety services back on track. That’s why I support Prop. 30. It will generate the revenue we need to strengthen our schools, help our children, and balance our state budget.”
— Alicia Williamson, CTA
“Proposition 30 asks millionaires and the wealthiest Californians to pay more of their fair share for public education and essential services. But families earning less than $500,000 a year will pay NO additional income taxes. Without Proposition 30, our schools and colleges face an additional $6 billion in cuts this year. That’s why teachers like me are urging everyone to vote YES on Proposition 30.”
— Kevin Thompson, CTA
Make sure to join the next tele-townhall and ask your live questions. Stay tuned for more details.
Watch the “Boo on 32” video and sign the pledge today!
