SEIU California Endorses CA Schools and Local Communities Funding Act for November 2020

Closes a tax loophole for millionaires, billionaires, and corporations to restore California’s schools, community colleges, health clinics, and vital local services

Sacramento, CA — The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California today announced the 700,000-member organization has endorsed The California Local Schools and Communities Funding Act, joining the League of Women Voters of California, PICO California, California Calls, Advancement Project California, Evolve California, Common Sense Kids Action, Alliance San Diego, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of California (CHIRLA) and the California Federation of Teachers in supporting the November 2020 ballot initiative.

“SEIU members work every day to support students trying to learn in crowded schools, serve the homeless in our emergency rooms and on street corners, and patch together streets riddled with potholes. We can’t keep sacrificing our values and our children’s future in order to give billions in tax breaks to millionaires, billionaires and corporations,” said Max Arias SEIU Local 99 Executive Director and SEIU California Board Member.

“SEIU members are proud to do our part to restore California’s schools, community colleges, health clinics and vital local services by working to pass The California Local Schools and Communities Funding Act,” said Roxanne Sanchez SEIU Local 1021 President and SEIU California President.

“I grew up in the wake of schools being underfunded,” said Riko Mendez, Chief Elected Officer of SEIU Local 521 President and SEIU California Board member. 

“Restoring hope for the next generation is the reason SEIU members will be working so hard to pass The California Local Schools and Communities Funding Act.”

The California Local Schools and Communities Funding Act closes the corporate property tax loophole in Proposition 13 while exempting homeowners, residential renters, agricultural land, and small businesses. Closing California’s commercial property tax loophole restores $11 billion for schools, community colleges and other vital community services, including emergency responder services, parks, libraries, health clinics, trauma centers, affordable housing, homeless services, and roads.