Upon the conclusion of the 2017 legislative session, Governor Jerry Brown signed historic bills that will impact the lives of California’s immigrant, working and middle-class families. The passage of SB 54, otherwise known as the Sanctuary State Bill, will limit communication between local law enforcement and federal immigration officials. A major accomplishment in response to the Trump Administration’s relentless immigration actions and policies.
In order to combat and alleviate problems associated with California’s housing crisis, Governor Jerry Brown signed 15 housing bills that together will pave the way for a housing-first policy in California. The housing package will allow for the development of new homes for low-income residents, homeless, and farmworkers as the state put increasing pressure on developers to build and preserve housing for more low-income families.
As more women enter the workforce and are faced with the struggle of balancing work and family responsibilities, the women’s movement made great strides for our working families this year. Governor Jerry Brown signed bills that would expand the eligibility criteria for subsidized child care services to parents taking English as a second language or high school equivalency courses and increasing workplace protections by providing 12 weeks of unpaid maternity and paternity leave (for employees working in business with 20 to 49 employees) without losing their jobs and health care benefits.
A legislative session full of historic victories for immigrants, low-income families, and women’s rights. UFCW continues to be on the forefront of these legislative battles to ensure a better quality of life for our working families in California.