I’m Amy Valdez, Chair of the SEIU Local 1000 COPE Committee, with an important ask. Politicalengagement is vital to our members at the State Bar, as the fee bill, which authorizes and funds the State Bar, must be approved by the legislature, and signed into law by the governor. It isimportant that we have the ability to advocate for our State Bar members during this process. It isequally important that we elect labor champions that will support member-driven goals. Which iswhy I’m asking you to contribute to COPE.
What is COPE?
COPE is the Committee on Political Education, which plays a vital role in empowering members toengage in the political process and advocate for their interests. COPE is funded by an additional contribution not included in membership dues. These contributions help play a key role in advocating for our members at the state and federal level.
How has COPE helped State Bar members?
In the last 3 years alone, member leaders and the legislative team have accomplished thefollowing:
- Lobbied Judiciary Committee members to increase attorney licensing fees for only thesecond time in 25 years, thereby averting layoffs and preserving our membersemployment benefits.
- Secured fee bill language to explicitly allowed the proceeds of sale of the San Francisco building to be used for rank-and-file salaries and benefits.
- Secured an amendment to the fee bill that the desired vacancy rate can only be achieved by attrition only and not by layoffs.
All these are a result of both our advocacy work and our work to elect labor champions in theSenate and Assembly.
How can COPE help state bar members this year?
This year, COPE funds will be used to:
- Ensure that our bargaining goals are included in the next fee bill.
- Engage our Board of Trustee members on executive-level appointments as well as issues impacting our working conditions.
- Engage our allies in the legislature if State Bar management does not come to the table in good faith.
With the current federal attacks on public sector workers, it is more important than ever that we have the political strength to advocate for ourselves and our communities at the state and federal level. And this is where YOUR support for COPE comes in.
Will you sign up to contribute to COPE? Signing up for SEIU COPE (Committee on PoliticalEducation) is critical to ensuring we have the resources to influence the decisions in Sacramento and Washington DC that impact our jobs and pay. Our records show you’re a member, but you haven’t yet signed up to contribute to COPE. Please take a moment to fill out the COPE contribution form.
Signing up to contribute to COPE helps us build the political power we need.=
In unity,
Amy Valdez
Chair of the COPE Committee
SEIU Local 1000