Lobby Day - Jan. 14

Lobby Day - Jan. 14

NO MORE CUTS!

Hundreds of workers – 300 alone from SEIU Locals – stood on the state Capitol steps Wednesday, Jan. 14, to call on our state legislators to reject more budget cuts that will only make things worse for working families.

Members Prepare to Lobby

One by one, selected speakers recounted from their personal experience how they have seen the quality of the services they provide – or receive -- drop to dangerous levels. Plenty of members from the media were there to capture this important and powerful action by workers.

The event, which drew 450 people, was a collaboration of more than 20 organizations, including the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers, California State Employees Association, League of Women Voters, among others.

What can SEIU Local 521 members do?
We Need Jobs

Participate in events like this Lobby Day. Some 40 members from Local 521 took the day off from work to bring a personal message to our local representatives in Sacramento: Reject more cuts; support a budget to rebuild the middle class; and secure federal economic stimulus funds for California.

Members visited the offices of their respective assembly members and state senators. Many spoke from their hearts their own personal struggles in this economic crisis. These are stories our elected leaders need to hear at this time, now more than ever.

Alfonso Villasana Orderly Transport, Santa Clara County Valley Medical Center
"Even though I'm totally new to SEIU, I'm very proud that we're represented here, that we're standing up for our workers. I’m one of the workers, my job is on the line, and I realize now everybody needs to participate."

Marsha Ross Eligibility worker, Fresno County
"It's an impact on the government for them to see we're not going to stand for more cuts. I don't want them to keep cutting In-Home healthcare workers. They're the ones who take care of our families when we can’t do it."

Carmen Cruise Registered Nurse, Kern Medical Center
"Don't balance the budget on the lives of working people."

Vickie Madrid Medical Social Worker, Fresno County (laid off this week)
"California's greatest resource is the strength of our families, and the Governor's budget cuts diminish the quality of all our lives, in every aspect of our community, from schools to hospitals to Children Protective Services."