SEIU Local 521 court workers went to Sacramento this week to lobby legislators on three bills that could dramatically alter the way justice is administered in California.
Workers are fighting for the highest standards of good government, public service, and justice. That’s why we support two of these bills as common sense ways to help the courts best serve the public during these tough economic times.
But a harmful bill aims to remove the most accurate available technology (certified court reporters) from the crucial, life-changing proceedings of family court.
Take this short survey and let legislators know the truth.
“We got a phenomenal reception at the Capitol. These elected officials heard our voices and we believe we made a difference. Without hearing from us, legislators don’t understand how these bills impact services. We did great work today.”
— Dale Abbott, Collections Specialist II, Kern County Courts
“It’s a great feeling to be a part of this vital process. If you’ve never been to a lobby day, it’s hard to explain how it feels knowing that your presence has made life better for millions of Californians.”
— Stacy Gaskill, Court Reporter, Santa Clara County Court
Members lobbied legislators on these bills:
AB 566: We support
- Establishes adequate business standards for court services, including clear savings for taxpayers, adequate notice, audits to verify cost savings, and a competitive and transparent process.
- Does not prevent local decision-making. Brings courts into alignment with commonly accepted practices of good government.
- Prevents fraud and waste by bringing sunshine and transparency to the contracting process.
AB 655: We support
Provides local courts the opportunity to set up Reporters’ Salary Funds, stabilizing the linchpin of producing and accurate and complete judicial record in crucial matters.
AB 251: We Oppose
- Moves in the wrong direction, degrading justice and accuracy for the sake of chimerical savings.
- Removes the most accurate available technology (a certified court reporter) from the crucial, life-changing proceedings of family court.
Take this short survey and let legislators know the truth.
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