Local 1000 launches statewide campaign to encourage a "real fix" for state budget woes

Local 1000 is launching a multi-faceted campaign to stop the governor’s one-dimensional approach to solving the budget crisis. Members are being asked to identify ways to save money, increase revenues and improve efficiency. "We’re using the most qualified observers – state workers – to help solve budget problems," said Cathy Hackett, Local 1000 vice-president and secretary/treasurer. Members’ budget ideas will contribute to a union-wide effort that includes Local 1000’s field, policy, research, communications and legislative departments.

The governor’s solution: order departments to cut 10 percent from their budgets next year. "It’s time for a real fix for the budget. Irrational, across-the-board cuts aren’t the answer," said Theresa Taylor, a senior compliance representative at the Franchise Tax Board (FTB). "In fact, the governor’s demand would adversely affect departments like the Board of Equalization and FTB who are charged with collecting revenue."

In the second part of the campaign, Local 1000 will lobby legislators, the governor’s staff, and department directors with member-generated solutions. Beginning this week, Local 1000 members statewide are sharing their ideas by filling out budget solution cards, which will be hand delivered to state decision-makers.

At the same time, Local 1000 is working on the third element of its campaign: building coalitions with other state and public employee unions, and organizations that rely on state services. "We’re using our political clout to achieve the right results and to stop knee-jerk responses that will slash vital state services," said Jim Hard, Local 1000 president.

A fourth component of the campaign will reach the public through a statewide media-relations effort and paid ads in major markets. "Local 1000 will send a clear message that we deliver the programs that Californians demand and deserve," said Hard.

A report issued by the non-partisan Legislative Analyst’s Office underscores the need to avoid knee-jerk reactions. They forecast a ‘…continuing gap between revenues and expenditures," and says "a plan to permanently address the state’s fiscal troubles must involve ongoing solutions."

Local 1000’s budget campaign starts this week with worksite meetings throughout the state. "As we roll into the 2008 contract campaign, we’re empowering members and giving them a voice in resolving this important budget issue before we get to the negotiating table," said Yvonne Walker, Local 1000 vice president for bargaining. "We must look past reactionary measures which merely serve as temporary band-aids, and make meaningful changes that ensure continued high-quality public services."