California Labor Organizations and Frontline Workers Stand Together for Yes on Prop 3

Workers who keep California running warn a $10 billion annual deficit would hit schools, health care and wildfire response

SACRAMENTO, CA – The workers who keep California running are united behind Prop 3. SEIU California, AFSCME California, California Professional Firefighters and the California Federation of Labor Unions, representing more than 2.3 million workers, endorsed Prop 3. Their endorsement came with a warning that failing to pass Prop 3 would lead to a devastating $10 billion deficit in the state budget for schools, health care and emergency response.

Prop 3 protects an average of $10 billion dollars annually – invested in schools, community colleges, and health care – through a tax on the wealthiest 2 percent of Californians who have paid since 2012. Prop 3 simply keeps the existing income taxes in place without raising taxes. That money helps meet the school funding level the state constitution requires, freeing up billions more in the state budget for health care, child care, wildfire protection and frontline workers. 

“Our members are the nurses at the bedside, the caregivers helping seniors stay safe at home, and the school workers keeping kids fed and learning. They work every day to provide for their families and our communities. We urge voters to stand with our 750,000 members. If Prop 3 fails, the wealthiest get a tax cut and our families pay the price,” stated Arnulfo De La Cruz, President, SEIU California and SEIU 2015.

“Working families are already under attack from Washington. AFSCME members answer 911 calls, care for people with disabilities, staff our hospitals and clinics, and support students on our campuses. Letting these rates expire would take billions from our schools and force cuts to the care our families depend on. That is a loss California cannot afford,” warned Matthew Maldonado, Chair, AFSCME California PEOPLE.

“California firefighters and frontline workers know what it takes for a community to survive a wildfire and rebuild after one. It takes schools that reopen, clinics that stay open, and a state budget strong enough to respond when disaster hits. An annual $10 billion deficit in the state budget puts all of that at risk, at the exact moment our communities need it most,” said Darrell Roberts, President, California Professional Firefighters.

"Working families are counting on Prop 3 to protect the schools our kids depend on, from smaller class sizes and mental health counselors to free school lunches,” said Lorena Gonzalez, President, California Labor Federation.“California's workers are voting yes on Prop 3."

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