Posted on the CAPT website
www.psychtechs.net
February 1, 2010

Legislators let anti-minimum-wage bill die

Despite thousands of letters from state employees calling for urgent support, a legislative committee left Assembly Bill 1125 to die.

Letters had absolutely poured in from CAPT members throughout the state, many including moving personal comments about how minimum wage would affect staff, families, local economies, and even facilities’ already rock-bottom morale.

The purpose of AB 1125 was to ensure that state employees were paid in full and on time when state budgets were late. A court ruled last year that California governors have the right to implement federal minimum-wage payments for state workers when state budgets are late, repaying them when a budget finally passes. The case stemmed from Governor Schwarzenegger’s actions in 2008, when he ordered minimum wage for numerous state employees during a budget impasse.

The next state budget is due this June. CAPT will continue to fight against harmful proposals contained in it, and will continue to call on legislators to pass a fair state budget on time. Keep in touch with your chapter office for more, and watch www.psychtechs.net for the latest news.

BU 18 Members Speak Out Against Minimum Wage

Here’s just a sampling of what you told legislators:

“Please protect and support employees and clients.”
“200,000 employees at minimum wage can only further the downward spiral.”
“This isn’t our fault; we’re just trying to do our jobs.”
“Quality client care is most important!”
“I won’t be able to support my family or pay my mortgage."
“We do our jobs – you do yours!”.”
“Going to minimum wage is just salt to the wounds. We are struggling as it is.”