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What’s in this issue:
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SEIU 503 Members go to DC to Fight for Medicaid
President Trump’s federal funding freeze, which was stopped by a judge, and Congress’s proposed $2.3 trillion cut to Medicaid has sent fear and confusion across the nation. These cuts to healthcare would directly impact SEIU 503 members and the people we care for. A delegation of members went to Washington, DC this week to urge Congress not to cut care. Thank you to HCW/PSW members Cristal DeJarnac, Jolene White, and Nancy Flores for fighting for us. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more.
Would you, a loved one or someone else you know be impacted by cuts to Medicaid? Tell us how here.
Oregon’s 2025 Legislative Session is Underway
We are almost one month into Oregon’s 2025 legislative session, and our Union is hard at work fighting for bills that matter to our members. We evaluate everything based on the impacts to our members and the equity impacts of legislation. We prioritize based on the issues our members care about, including from General Council, Caucuses, and other ways you can connect. Our political team is hosting member trainings where we will cover basic information about the legislative session, our top priorities this session, and how you can get involved in the process. You can register by clicking on the links below:
SEIU 503 Celebrates Black History Month
As we celebrate Black History Month, SEIU 503 President Johnny Earl prepared a message for our members: “Let’s recognize the Black and African Americans who have done so much for our Union and our nation and challenge ourselves to create a future where we are all treated with fairness and dignity.” You can read it in its entirety here.
PDC core training – Serious Incident Prevention
The Oregon Home Care Commission (OHCC) is introducing a new core training course required for the Professional Development Certification (PDC) called Serious Incident Prevention (SIP). The course covers how to identify, prevent, or reduce the risks for consumer-employers related to urinary tract infections, falls, medication mismanagement, wounds, sepsis, and behavioral health crises. The course is a total of five hours. The first part of the course is online and self-paced (two hours). The second part of the course is a three-hour instructor-led webinar (two dates per month from which to choose). After course attendance is given, attendees can complete their online assessment to earn credit and a stipend.
The course launches February 14, 2025 as a pilot and will be available to the first 50 students who register. Register through PACE, OHCC’s learning website.
Important dates:
- February 14, 2025: New Serious Incident Prevention (SIP) core course launches.
- March 1, 2025: Any new initial PDC will need to complete the SIP course to earn the differential.
- May 1, 2025: Any incomplete renewal certification will be required to add the SIP course to their renewal coursework.
Share Your Voice: Help Shape the Future of Non-Wage Benefits That Impact Care Providers
The essential work you do every day to support individuals and families in Oregon is valued. This survey, designed by GoodLife University as an independent evaluator, aims to better understand your needs and priorities. Your feedback on non-wage benefits like childcare, transportation, and housing subsidies will help shape programs that directly impact you and your peers. The survey was developed with the Oregon Home Care Commission, SEIU Local 503, Carewell SEIU 503 Training and Benefits, the Oregon Department of Human Services and the Oregon Health Authority.
Survey Details:
- Estimated Time to Complete: 10-15 minutes
- Open Through: 2/17/2025
- Survey Link: Take the Survey Here
- Survey Link in other languages: Español | Русский | Tiếng Việt | 简体中文 | Af Soomaali | اللغة العربية
Your responses are completely anonymous and will not impact your employment status. Please be honest and direct so we can recommend meaningful improvements. Thank you for sharing your perspective and helping us create meaningful change.
A Recap of Our Bimonthly Member Town Hall Meeting
Last week, SEIU 503 President Johnny Earl and Executive Director Melissa Unger led a member town hall to talk about what our Union is doing to respond to a whirlwind of federal executive orders and upcoming congressional funding debates. We were joined by 503 political director Courtney Graham, who shared updates about the Oregon legislative session.
For a recap of the virtual town hall, click here. We invite you to join us for these member town halls every other month to hear what’s going on in our Union and to ask questions. Our next one is scheduled for mid-March (we’ll email you to register closer to the date).
Free Direct Tax Filing
We’re sharing a new tool to help Oregonians file their taxes for free. The IRS and Oregon Department of Revenue have integrated their Direct File platforms to help Oregonians file their federal and state taxes for free beginning this tax season! Oregonians who depend on their tax refunds will no longer need to pay for-profit companies to file their returns. Taxpayers in Oregon could save tens of millions in filing fees thanks to Direct File.
Direct File is live now – check to see if you’re eligible to use the free service by clicking here.
Follow SEIU 503 For The Latest News & Updates
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Upcoming Events Register events at Seiu503.org/calendarBe sure to check the events calendar regularly for regional meetings in your area! |
