Wisconsin's Fight Is Our Fight Too!

Union members know that an attack on workers anywhere is an attack on workers everywhere. Unfortunately, we are witnessing this phenomenon unfold in historic fashion as the attacks on Wisconsin public employees' collective bargaining rights continue to spill-over into states and local governments across the nation. We can now add California to the list.

Less than two weeks ago, California State Assemblyman Allan Mansoor of Orange County introduced Assembly Bill 961, which aims to end the ability of public employee unions in California to collectively bargain for pension benefits. "We cannot address our state and local budget deficits without addressing public employee unions," said Mansoor.

This is not the first time that those behind the stepped-up

	Union members rallying in Wisconsin

attacks on public employees have cited "budget deficits" to justify their anti-worker agenda. DON'T BE FOOLED! Taking away the collective bargaining rights of public employees does not balance budgets. The reality is quite the opposite.

Across California, public employees through collective bargaining have agreed to rollbacks, 2nd tiers, increased employee contributions, work-furloughs, or other pay & benefit reductions to help public employers address the budget deficits while saving as many jobs as possible. In fact, according to the Sacramento-based Californians for Healthcare and Retirement Security, "public employees have been the single largest contributors to reducing state and local budget deficits."

The attacks that began in Wisconsin are beginning to hit home in California. It's up to all of us to stand together and defend our important rights!

WHAT'S NEXT FOR STATE & LOCAL ECONOMIES?

Los Angeles County will begin the process of adopting the next fiscal year's budget later this spring. Like every other agency, L.A. County administrators are watching discussions in Sacramento closely.

Governor Brown and the State Legislature are attempting to balance an unprecedented $26.6 billion state budget deficit. So far, state budget committees have adopted roughly $12 billion in program reductions (mostly to health and human services) and $12.7 billion in revenue solutions to try to fill the massive budget gap. The proposed revenue solutions rely primarily on Governor Brown's plan to seek voter approval of approximately $11.2 billion in tax rate extensions scheduled to expire later this year.

Two major questions will guide the continuing budget discussions: Will the Legislature adopt the Governor's realignment proposal; and will voters pass the Governor's tax extension on the June Ballot? The failure of either could severely impact L.A. County's budget.

CAPE representatives are already engaged in the debate over state and local budgets, with the primary goal of minimizing the impact of Sacramento's mess on L.A. County jobs and services. We will keep CAPE members advised of our progress.

SPRING 2011: MUNICIPAL & SPECIAL ELECTION CHOICES

The CAPE Board of Directors urges members' support for several candidates in the upcoming Municipal Election on Tuesday, March 8th.

In solidarity with several of employee associations representing Los Angeles City employees, the CAPE Board of Directors announced support for Forescee Hogan- Rowles, the candidate running against Councilman Bernard Parks in the 8th District. Also in Los Angeles, CAPE supports Councilman Paul Krekorian for re-election to the City's 2nd District. Three LACCD Trustee candidates were also endorsed by CAPE: Scott Svonkin, Miguel Santiago and Steve Veres.

Members interested in serving on the CAPE Political Endorsement Committee should contact the CAPE office at (213) 484-0400 for more information. Please be sure to VOTE on March 8th!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CAPE Retirement Seminar - The annual CAPE Retirement Seminar, featuring presentations by LACERA and Great West Retirement Services (Horizons) representatives will be held Saturday morning, March 19th at Taix Restaurant in Echo Park. This is a great opportunity to have your important retirement planning questions answered. Attendance is recommended for those in the last years of their careers. We hope to see you there!

CAPE Benefit Trustee Vacancy - There is a vacancy on the five-member CAPE Benefit Trust Board which oversees the administration of the CAPE/Blue Shield health plans, as well as other insurance/investment programs offered to CAPE members and County employees in Choices. If you are a CAPE member and wish to be considered for appointment to the vacant Trustee position, please contact the CAPE office at (213) 484-0400.

CAPE Board of Directors Meeting - The next meeting of the CAPE Board of Directors is Thursday, March 10, 2011, starting at 2pm at the CAPE office. Members are welcome to attend and may address the Board on any subject during the "Open for Members" section of the agenda.