President Jellison February 22, 2008 Update
President’s Update
February 22, 2008
-- Obama Presidential Endorsement
On Friday, February 15, 2008 the SEIU International endorsed Democratic Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States. This decision was not easy and took well over a year as there were many excellent candidates. In PA, early polling of our Statewide Executive Board favored John Edwards, and John Edwards was also favored going into and coming out of the IMPAC (the Member Political Action Conference) where our members got to meet and hear each of the Democratic candidates speak. Why did we hear only Democratic candidates? Because each of them met the requirement of “Walking a Day in the Shoes” of one of our members. All candidates were offered this opportunity regardless of party. After John Edwards withdrew from the race, our Statewide Executive Board was polled again and favored Barack Obama. Random polling was also conducted across PA of SEIU members.
The SEIU International Board has even higher benchmarks to meet before endorsing a Presidential candidate.
1. The candidate must “Walk a Day in the Shoe” of one of our members.
2. 50% plus 1 of the International Executive Board must be in agreement, and;
3. 60% of the per capita members represented on the International Executive Board must agree.
4. The candidate must have a comprehensive health care plan.
Based on the pollings of our PA Statewide Executive Board and the random pollings in PA, and as a member of the International Executive Board I recommend endorsement of Barack Obama.
What an incredibly exciting and historical time this is − and an opportunity for real change for our country. The American Dream that we, as workers and public servants strive for, could soon become a reality. Barack Obama has the ability to unite Americans of all backgrounds in all regions to change our country for working people.
You must register to vote by March 24, 2008 to vote in the primary election − please notify your steward or business agent if you need a voter registration form. You should fill out a new form if you have not voted for awhile, if you have moved, or changed names. Be a part of history − VOTE!
As dues money cannot be used for political purposes, this is also a chance to donate to the American Dream Fund to help elect Barack Obama. Contributions can be sent to American Dream Fund, 2589 Interstate Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17110.
And of course, you can donate on a regular basis by using payroll deduction to give to COPE. If every member gave the goal of $5 per pay, legislators would be coming to US instead of us going to them!
Gene Quaglia, Chair of the Statewide County Assistance Office (CAO) has been encouraging legislators in PA to visit CAO offices and see the effects of flat funding first hand, and how the impossible workload contributes to poor morale. After work meetings have also been held in Erie and Greensburg.
Think about it. If you follow the money that we, as public servants receive to do our jobs, it comes through the budget. Who compiles and votes on the budget? The legislators! If we can educate them from President on down about the flat funding and short-staffing in Corrections, County Assistance Offices, Aging, 911 and everywhere else we work, we can make a difference!
Corrections: A statewide meet and discuss over Corrections’ issues will be held March 4, 2008. If you have any agenda items for this meeting, please send to Jellison668@aol.com