A lot of the decisions that impact SEIU 503 members are made by local governments, the State Legislature, the Governor’s office, or in Washington, D.C. Our union’s member-run political program is how we make sure our voice is in the room when those decisions are made. Examples include:
- The Legislature passes the budgets that fund most of our members’ jobs, directly or indirectly. Whether you work for a state agency, are a care provider, work in Higher Ed, or more, you are impacted by state budgets and state laws.
- Local governments create policies and pass budgets that impact our members at work in their communities. This includes funding for public safety, public health, road maintenance, parks, shelters, and more.
- The Governor oversees all state agencies and state programs. They have the power to hire and fire agency directors, sign or veto laws passed by the Legislature, and more. Most importantly, the Governor negotiates our two largest contracts – state workers and care providers.
Our theory of political change reminds us why we make political endorsements and why political work is so critical to the success of our union.
- Pass policy that builds a base for worker power in worksites and in our community.
- Volunteer our time — knocking on doors, calling voters, getting people registered to vote.
- Raise money by giving to CAPE so we can have a stronger influence during elections.
- Vote and get out the vote — especially among our colleagues. families, friends, and neighbors.
- Elect candidates who share our values and who are committed to supporting working people.