For years, the importance of a robust social safety net and the need for the critical public services like those provided by members of our union has become more clear than ever. 

We are on the frontlines in our communities and know the importance of protecting public services in the face of projected budget shortfalls. That is why it is so important for us to do everything in our power before November to pass Proposition 15, also known as Schools and Communities First.

Passing this measure would reclaim over $12 billion annually for schools and funding local public services like more healthcare workers, reducing homelessness, or increasing fire protection. It does this by closing a commercial property tax loophole being exploited by major corporations.  Under this measure, the top 10% of the richest corporations would generate 92% of the revenue—while small businesses receive a tax cut.

Prop 15 places decisions on how local communities spend the new revenues in the hands of local elected leaders requires them to be fully transparent about each dollar they receive and how it is spent—and it does al this while specifically exempting homeowners, renters, small businesses, and agricultural land.

Explosive income inequality, unaffordable housing, understaffed healthcare services, overcrowded schools, and overburdened county services have impacted all of us in one way or another. Even before COVID-19 struck, it was clear that something had to be done to treat the pre-existing conditions plaguing many of our communities.

“Proposition 15 would have been a game-changer in the pre-COVID-19 days, but now it is an absolutely necessity. Our cities, counties, and schools cannot afford austerity or dangerous cuts to services which would hinder our ability to fight the pandemic. When wealthy corporations use loopholes to get out of paying their fair share, it robs our communities of billions to fund the essential services we all need. Our ability to have an equitable and strong recovery from COVID-19 hinges on whether we volunteer to get out the vote and support Proposition 15 this year,” said Ramses Teon-Nichols, SEIU 1021 Vice President of Politics.

You can learn more about Prop 15 and how you can get involved in the campaign to put our schools and local community services first at. www.yes15.org.