Volume 1., Issue 233

Take Action to Eliminate “Zombie Loopholes” In California’s Budget

Corporate tax breaks are draining the life out of California’s budget. These “Zombie Loopholes” live in the shadows, striking schools, public safety and other essential services when we least expect it. They’re extremely hard to kill, and they’re bleeding California taxpayers of $6 billion each year.

This week, the California Labor Federation launched a new website, www.ZombieLoopholes.com, to raise public awareness about these wasteful and ineffective Zombie Loopholes, and put pressure on the legislature to eliminate them before any more cuts are made to schools, public safety and vital services. Now is the time to join the fight to slay these Zombie Loopholes by signing the online petition, ‘liking’ the Facebook page and joining the conversation on Twitter by tagging #zombieloopholes. 

Sign the petition.

‘Like’ Zombie Loopholes on Facebook.
 

Make Calls from Home to Recall Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker

Tuesday is the long-anticipated recall election of Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, notorious for the draconian union-stripping bill he signed into law last year. The latest polls show Walker neck-in-neck with challenger Tom Barrett, the pro-labor mayor of Milwaukee.

This final ‘Get Out the Vote’ weekend is absolutely crucial in order to oust Gov. Walker from office. Thanks to new technology from the AFL-CIO, supporters of the recall can reach out to Wisconsin voters from their home phone and computer, no matter where they are. Signing up for the FAN program takes just minutes, and voter outreach through FAN is fun and simple.

Start using FAN to support the recall today.
 

Key Labor-Backed Bills Advance in Sacramento

This week, a number of important pieces of union-sponsored legislation moved one step closer to law. SB 1208 (Leno), which would require more transparency in executive retirement compensation, passed the state Senate, as did SB 959 (Lieu), which would eliminate up to $60 million in waste, fraud and abuse from the workers’ comp system. AB 1450 (Allen), which would stop discrimination against unemployed job seekers, easily passed the Assembly 51-26.

Learn more about California Labor’s 2012 legislative agenda.
 

Don’t Forget to Vote on Tuesday

Tuesday, June 5th is California’s 2012 Primary election, and in this pivotal election year, it’s essential that working men and women make their voices heard at the ballot box.

Look up your polling place.

View California Labor’s endorsements for state and local races and ballot measures.

Union members and supporters are also encouraged to volunteer to get out the vote in your community. For volunteer opportunities, contact your local central labor council.

Find your labor council.
 

This Week on “Labor’s Edge”

State Senator Mark Leno outlined his new bill to shed light on excessive CEO retirement packages.   

We underscored the importance of passing legislation to end discrimination against the unemployed.

Barbara Materna, PhD, of the California Department of Public Health exposed the toxic chemicals used in certain hair smoothing treatments.

We detailed how corporate tax ‘zombie loopholes’ are eating our state alive.

Maria Elena Durazo of the LA County Federation of Labor explained the importance of passing Prop 28, which would fix California’s broken term limits system.


Send blog submissions to info@calaborfed.org.

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