Democrats Win Both Houses of Congress
Although Arnold stays, there is much to celebrate

Thanks to the hard work of SEIU members, staff, and community allies, working families have been heard. Here are some of our victories: John Garamendi, Lt. Governor Sandre Swanson, 16th Assembly District Mary Hayashi, 18th Assembly District Bill Lockyer, State Treasurer Jerry Brown, Attorney General Get national, state, and local 2006 Election results. ELECTION NEWS & RESOURCES ROUGH & TUMBLE Daily news about California politics from various newspapers around the state. NEW WEST NOTES Non-partisan news blog with lots of inside campaign information SACRAMENTO BEE MERCURY NEWS LOS ANGELES TIMES Click the links below for links to information on the propositions and from a variety of official, union, and non-partisan election and government sources. These links open pop-up windows. STATE PROPOSITIONS OFFICIAL - UNION - NONPARTISAN Health Care: A System in Crisis Although SB 840 - a bill insuring every Californian - was vetoed by Gov. Schwarzenegger, the fight for affordable health care continues. Schwarzenegger has also challenged nurse staffing agreements in court (only to be rebuked by the judge), and tried to cut homecare worker pay to minimum wage with no benefits. Angelides backed previous efforts to increase availability of health insurance for working people, fought for nurse-to-patient ratios to ensure quality care, and spoke in opposition to the governor's cuts to homecare. See Health Care for All - California and One Care Now for more information

Thanks to all the terrific SEIU Volunteers Phone Banks, precincts walks, and other volunteer outreach efforts made the difference in this election, both locally and nationally. Special thanks to the following: East Bay Voter Improvement Project run out of the Local 616 Office SEIU staff & volunteers joined with environmental activists  to unseat Richard Pombo, a 7-term GOP congressman from Tracy. Challenger Jerry McNerney is a wind energy consultant from Pleasanton, where a major grassroots effort turned the tide. More...

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  Contribute to COPE
 Budget crisis? Elections? Economy? ... Got questions? Get answers and be part of the solution by contributing your time or money to the Local 616 Committee On Political Education (COPE). The committee mobilizes members for rallies, signature gathering campaigns, get-out-the-vote efforts, and more in support of political actions to ensure social and economic justice for working families.

• Come to a meeting on the first Tuesday of each month at Local 616.
• Download a COPE & pension reform fact sheet and sign-up form to give to your field rep. (Only SEIU members may contribute to Local 616 COPE.)
• For more information, contact the Local 616 Political Dept. at (510) 452-2366 x527.

  Become a Member Political Organizer

• Learn about the crucial role played by MPOs
• Arm yourself with the SEIU State Council's MPO Toolkit
• Become a Local 616 MPO by contacting our Political Dept. at (510) 452-2366 x527.

  Don't Wait for Election Day –
Watch Your Politicians Every Day!

  SACRAMENTO SCORECARD

 WHO'S WHO IN THE CAPITOL: Find out who your California elected representatives are, read about their backgrounds, and get their contact information.

 COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Learn how to connect with your elected representatives so that you get heard.

 STATE OF THE STATE: Track the progress of bills in the State Legislature, and visit California's official website.

  EYES ON ALAMEDA COUNTY

 ALL A-BOARD: Contact your county supervisors and visit the Board of Supervisors home page.

 ALAMEDA COUNTY ONLINE: Visit the official websites of Alameda County, the Alameda Co. Medical Center, and the county Superior Court.

  WASHINGTON WATCH

 KEEP SCORE: See how Congress is voting on issues that matter to California's working families – and how it's voted since 1999.

 CALIFORNIANS IN CONGRESS: See how your own elected Senators and Representatives are voting in the current session of Congress.

 CONTACT CAPITOL HILL: Learn how to write, talk to, and make an appointment to meet with your Senators and Representatives in Washington, D.C.

 LEGISLATION WATCH: Track the progress of federal legislation in Congress.