Sacramento, CA – The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Western States Council today released the following statement from Andrea Zinder, President, UFCW Western States Council and UFCW Local 324, in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s revised budget for 2021-2022:
“The 170,000 UFCW members in California applaud the direction Governor Newsom’s revised 2021-2022 California budget takes to ensure California’s working families can recover from the pandemic and build back better. In the last year it’s become more clear than ever that workers are the backbone of our great state’s economy, and this budget begins to recognize the hard work and dedication they have shown over the past year.
“UFCW members and other frontline essential workers were a lifeline to food and essential services throughout the pandemic, at a staggering cost to these workers and their families. In order for California to ‘roar back’ we must put these workers first. In a year with a $75.7 billion surplus and American Rescue Plan funds from the federal government, we must ensure money is provided for programs that allow essential frontline workers to thrive – much-needed mental health services, reserved childcare slots for essential workers, and increased health and safety training.
“The pandemic recession has largely been borne by women and workers of color. Direct assistance as well as workforce training will help California be able to sustain jobs and families and help the state overcome the inequality laid bare this past year. UFCW members know just how important the High Road Training Partnership model is, and we’re pleased to see dedicated funds to expand the program.
“Lastly, we’re pleased that California’s nation-leading standard for the cannabis industry is maintained through new requirements for provisional licenses and a restructuring of the industry’s licensing and enforcement agencies. The new Department of Cannabis Control will help the public hold businesses accountable for truthful applications and keep California’s cannabis industry safe and above board for all consumers. agency reorganization to ensure the industry remains open and accountable.
“We look forward to continuing working with the Governor and the Administration to ensure California’s budget meets the needs of our members and all of California’s workers, and ensure working families can have a strong future.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2021
Contact: Jenna Thompson, 949.246.1620, [email protected]