As we elect our next boss, who do you trust to be governor?

Facing furloughs, threats of minimum wage and political attacks from many fronts, the phrase "politics matter" has never been more important to California state workers.

It's not enough for us to simply vote for candidates who support state employees and state services...

We need to get active and reach out to other voters and encourage them to vote for candidates who value government instead of trying to destroy vital services.

Thousands of members not registered; politics matters more than ever

Making our voices heard at the ballot box is more important than ever for our families' financial security as we continue being used as political pawns through furloughs and minimum wage threats.

Regardless, thousands of Local 1000 members remain unregistered as we work to elect a governor and legislators who value state services and protect us from political attacks.

A major organizational priority this summer is political activism. Unit 1 members are committed to electing local and statewide candidates who support public services - and then hold them accountable. The November election is coming up and we need even more volunteers to ensure the right candidates win. If you can help, contact unit1@seiu1000.org.

Question

Can you give us a legislative update?

-    Michael, San Diego

In a new report released Aug. 10, research details how Wall Street owes California tax payers billions and continues to bilk the state in the foreclosure crisis, loss in lending to small businesses, unpaid property tax and more. 

Question

With the death of Senator Dave Cox, there are now two vacant seats in the state Senate. What is the new number of "yes" votes needed for AB 1699 to pass in the Senate?

- James, Sacramento 

Contact your legislators and tell them to return to Sacramento and vote for Assembly Bill 1699 to ensure that state workers get their full pay for the services they provide.

AB 1699 would provide a continuous appropriation for state worker salaries. It is the only way to ensure that state workers get their full pay check when there is no budget.

Take action now >>

Read the full text of Assembly Bill 1699 on the state Legislature website >>

By Lisa Mascaro

President Obama signed legislation extending unemployment benefits Thursday for 2.5 million jobless Americans, a hard-fought achievement his party will use to portray Republicans as callous to the needs of ordinary workers in a fall election campaign tied to the country's economic fate.

The law subjects more financial companies to federal oversight and regulates many derivatives contracts while creating a consumer protection regulator and a panel to detect risks to the financial system.