08/07/2014
Gov. Jerry Brown fires up delegates at conference
Legislative session and budget are the focus of day
Today, CSEA members were praised by the state’s top lawmakers for helping to turn things around in California. Delegates then voted to pass the Association’s budget and honored outstanding members and chapters for their achievements.
Gov. Jerry Brown delivered the day’s keynote address, telling delegates about how CSEA helped California turn around education funding by working to pass Proposition 30 in 2012. He also spoke about how Wall Street bankers caused the economic crash that led to the state’s financial problems in the first place, and how income inequality is keeping the economy from improving at a faster rate. He also told delegates that classified school employees are the ones who will drive the future prosperity of the state.
“I see your role as a key ingredient,” he said. “You’re the ones who take kids to school, who provide hot meals, and when kids get suspended, you’re the ones who help them get back on track.”
Brown added that there is still a long road ahead for Californians but that with their help, he can lead the state to a better tomorrow if he is re-elected in November.
“We need collaboration, good politicians in office and good organization to move California forward,” he said.
California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson is also running for re-election in November. Torlakson is a strong advocate for education and has been a longtime friend of CSEA. He spoke about how public schools have moved forward during the last few years while at the same time fighting off attacks from corporate interests looking to make a profit out of education.
“The people who work in education are under attack,” he said. “Our schools are no place for Wall Street speculation.
“The decisions about education dollars should be made by schools, parents and teachers. Our schools don’t need a corporate takeover. They need investment.”
Another friend to CSEA in Sacramento who spoke to delegates is Senate President Pro Tempore Kevin DeLeon, who was named CSEA’s 2014 Legislator of the Year.
“We will continue to move forward with progressive policies, so that we can move into the future,” he said.
Board of Equalization member Betty Yee, who is CSEA’s endorsed candidate for state controller, told delegates that she is happy to have CSEA’s support.
“We can’t talk about education without acknowledging the contributions of more than 200,000 classified employees,” she said.
CSEA Assistant Director of Governmental Relations Jai Sookprasert kicked off the Legislative Session by talking about the bills CSEA was moving forward in Sacramento to improve the lives of its members.
Outstanding members and chapters honored
The day was also filled with honors and recognitions. Solange Keiko Inoue of Alisal Elementary Chapter 577 received the Wally H. Blice Award for outstanding political action. Inoue’s activism was key to creating a more education- and worker-friendly school board.
Robert Zamora, a grounds crew leader and member of Azusa Chapter 299 was the day’s Member of the Year honoree.
“I do my best to help our children and our community because without them, I wouldn’t be the person that I am,” he said.
Coming Up:
Education Day seminars are taking place this afternoon. These workshops and seminars give attendees an opportunity to learn more about the issues that affect them as classified school employees and union activists. Conference will conclude on Thursday with more recognitions, the Installation of Board of Directors and a keynote speech by motivational speaker Alex Sheen.
