Dear Ray in Sacramento:

Assembly Bill 1699, authored by Assembly Member Ed Hernandez, is the reincarnation of its stalled counterpart, Assembly Bill 1125. This bill is essentially the same as AB 1125 in that it this would provide a continuous appropriation for state employee salaries. AB 1699 is the only way to ensure that state employees get paid in full and on-time in the event of a late budget. AB 1125 is needed now because multiple court decisions have concluded that the state can't pay its employees their full wages unless and until there is a budget in place.  Instead, state employees will be subject to being paid the federal minimums required under federal law.  For most employees, this will be the federal minimum wage -- $7.25 an hour.

Local 1000 is a co-sponsor of AB 1699 and will vigorously advocate for its immediate passage in the Legislature. AB 1699 has yet to be assigned to a policy committee.  However, once the bill is assigned, Local 1000 will resume its campaign to urge the committee to protect your paycheck by voting in favor of AB 1699.

- Nancy Farias
SEIU 1000 Legislative Director