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Florida’s Public Services Workers

On Our Way to a Better Future

Member GalleryCongratulations! SEIU Local 8, SEIU/NCFO Locals 1220 and 1227 members voted to join together in a new, statewide union to build strength for public services employees in Florida—SEIU Florida Public Services Union.
 

We’re now the largest union of public employees in Florida—and because we’re united, we will have a stronger voice to make a better future for ourselves, our families and our communities.

As 14,000 city, county and school workers united in SEIU, we’re ready to make a plan to join with the families we serve, advocates, community leaders, and elected officials to set the best standards for public services and to make our communities safe and healthy. We’ll need every worker to take part as we move forward. Find out how you can participate.  

Delegates for SEIU International Union Convention Chosen

The votes to send delegates and alternates to our International Union's Convention were counted on the morning of April 19th. Helping with the process and certifying the results were Election Committee members, Van Church, John Henkle and Paul Lucarelli.

Congratulations to our winners! Elected as delegates were Kelley Collier, Robin Kirkpatrick, Judy Menzies and Vergia Virgil. Elected as alternates were Betty Bowers and Frank Sosa. I'm sure that Florida Public will be well represented by them.

The Convention is certain to be exciting as momentous decisions await our whole union. We'll look forward to our delegation's reports.

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TBRC Rejects TABOR, Now the Legislature is Taking it Up

The Taxation and Budget Reform Commission (TBRC) rejected on Monday a proposal, commonly called TABOR, to limit state and local revenues. This measure would amend the Florida State Constitution limiting the growth of state and local revenues and expenditures in an irresponsible way. The proposal is based on a Colorado policy that is a proven failure that could have negative consequences for Florida’s citizens and communities.

Now the Florida State Legislature is in the process of considering the same measure. SEIU and our coalition partners successfully fought this proposal in the TBRC but it will be back again and again. Read more

For more information on TABOR, your feedback and thoughts on TABOR or to help in our future political efforts please call Van Church toll free at 866-855-5004.


What You Need to Know About the TBRC

Florida's regular legislative session is in full swing. The Taxation and Budget Reform Commission (TBRC) is also meeting. Which is fairly rare as it's mandated to meet only every 20 years. That influential group has the power to put proposed constitutional amendments straight on our voting ballots.

The TBRC will put an amendment on this fall's ballot that will be bad for working families and public employees. In short, Florida voters will have a choice this November on swapping a third of our property tax bills for a penny increase in the sales tax -- and a promise that the Legislature will fill the $9.6 billion hole in school funding in 2011.

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SEIU Members Endorse Sen. Barack Obama

Barack Obama
Washington, DC—Nurses, childcare workers, janitors and other service workers endorsed Sen. Barack Obama for president today, calling him the candidate with the best vision, best plan and best strategy to lead the country to a new American Dream.

Members of the Service Employees International Union endorsed Obama to achieve economic justice, quality, affordable healthcare for every American, the freedom for workers to unite in unions, and an end to the Iraq war.

Pauline Beck, a home health care worker in Oakland, CA, said, “Barack is the right candidate for workers.  He will change our country.” Senator Obama spent a day with Beck last August, helping her care for an elderly patient and spending time with Beck’s family.

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Watch Barack Obama and SEIU Uniting for Change

Barack Obama at Podium

SEIU members are uniting behind Barack Obama because he’s stood up for workers his entire career. Watch this video to catch a glimpse of Obama’s work with SEIU members and what we’re doing to create a new American Dream together.

Find out more about Obama and SEIU.

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Who We Are

SEIU Florida Public Services Union will represent workers in 9 counties, 16 cities, 4 Head Start Agencies, and 3 school districts across Central Florida down to West Palm Beach.

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