Why Politics Matter

Politics matter because… Local 1000 is investing in your family’s future.

As state workers raising families in California, politics affect every aspect of our lives, including the rights, raises and benefits negotiated in our contract. Making politics work for you, your family and your community is important to us.

To effectively protect your rights, Local 1000 must actively engage in electing candidates who believe in—and stand up for—working families. It is important that we support leaders who are committed to a living wage, retirement security and affordable healthcare benefits at all levels of government from the president and Congress, to California’s governor and Legislature, all the way to school boards, city councils and county commissions.

Why This Matters to YOU

• • Your salary is funded by the state budget—and one-third of that budget comes from federal dollars.
  • Our union contract is law, but it’s only as strong as the funding that backs it. Every year, our wages and benefits must be renewed and approved through the state budget process.
  • When federal programs get cut, state workers pick up the slack. That means higher caseloads, fewer resources, and more pressure on the frontlines.
  • Funding cuts don’t just affect “other departments”—they hit healthcare, education, public safety, libraries, social services, and more. And they hit fast.

It’s already happening…

On April 2, 2025, the California State Library lost its federal funding after the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) was dismantled by executive order. 90% of its staff were placed on leave, and critical public resources were instantly jeopardized.
📄 Read the California State Library’s Statement