Sacramento, CA – The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California released the following statement from Roxanne Sanchez, President of SEIU Local 1021 and SEIU California, on the inauguration of Gavin Newsom as Governor of California:

“The 700,000 members of SEIU California work every day to realize the promise of California for all who call the Golden State home and we are encouraged that the inauguration of Governor Newsom is a step forward for our vision of equality, inclusion, justice, health and economic opportunity.

“With their overwhelming support for Governor Newsom and election of supermajorities in the state legislature, Californians embraced a bold, inclusive vision for the future and created an unprecedented opportunity for our state to tear down the barriers to justice and equity for all.  With so much at stake – our healthcare, our environment, our immigrant communities and our voices as workers, SEIU members will continue to push California and the nation forward.

“We know that California can be the state that holds corporations accountable for creating quality jobs, that invests in early learning for the youngest minds and compassionate care for the eldest bodies, that delivers life-saving healthcare for ALL, that ends the inhumane cycle of homelessness and despair, and that creates dignity on the job for every hard-working person in our state. And we know that Governor Newsom’s passion, energy and courage will be a galvanizing force for good.  

“Californians spoke clearly in November, declaring now is the time to aim high and work even harder to ensure the California Dream is accessible to all.  We look forward to working with Governor Newsom to fulfill this promise of California for state and for our children.”