Question

Dear Nancy
 
I work at the Department of Mental Health (DMH) and in the recent state budget signed by the Governor the Department was eliminated and a new Department of State Hospitals was created. What is going to happen to me and my job?
 
Signed,
 
Desperate at DMH

Question

Can you explain the proposed initiative that was recently introduced by former Assembly Member Roger Niello?

- Marshall, Rancho Cordova

Question

In listening to the news you'd think public employee pensions are not only the root cause of California's multi-billion dollar deficit, but are the main reason behind The Great Recession. "Pension reform" must be the solution to these problems, right?

- Julie, Turlock

Question

After reading an article in The Sacramento Bee about how the GOP is walking in "lock-step" against any revenue increased by taxes, I realize I don't know how the process works to allow voters to decide. How many votes are needed in the Legislature to do this? Can Republicans really block this from happening?

-    Blayne, Sacramento

Question

Can you give us a legislative update?

-    Michael, San Diego

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 

Dear Nancy:

Can you summarize the governor's budget and pension "reform" proposals and the Legislature's response to the governor's proposals?

- Jane, Sacramento, CA

Writing a letter to your legislator is one of the most effective ways to communicate your opinions and/or concerns on legislation. A simple letter can go a long way in influencing the outcome of legislation that is most important to you. Here are some tips that can help you write a constructive letter to your legislator. If you need more information or would like somebody from SEIU Local 1000's Legislative Department to help you write your letter, please call us at 916.554.1258 or email us at amartinez@seiu1000.org.

Dear Nancy:

What do you know about AB 1699? Has Local 1000 taken a position on it yet?

- Ray, Sacramento, CA

Dear Nancy:

Last year when the governor announced his budget he talked about furloughs and those furloughs went into effect right away. This year the governor has said he is cutting my pay by 5%, increasing my PERS contribution by 5% and then possibly another 5% pay cut if he doesn't get money from the federal government. Are these pay cuts effective immediately as well?

Thanks!

- Cash Strapped, Los Angeles