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Legislative Update: Federal Actions Impacting Oregon’s Budget

Oregon’s latest revenue forecast released this week shows that lawmakers have $755 million less in the state budget due to economic uncertainty driven by federal actions, including tariffs. This directly impacts our members and the services we provide. We are urging state lawmakers to continue to prioritize the needs of everyday Oregonians by killing any bill that gives new tax breaks to the wealthy or corporations, and invest in the public services that will keep our economy strong and prevent job losses.

Winning the budget we need for good contracts and to avoid job cuts is going to take a fight. We’re holding a massive budget rally at the Capitol on June 5th. Make sure to RSVP today and join us! Here’s the link.

Members after a successful lobby meeting with Rep. Lesley Muñoz

Homecare Workers Show Up for Lobby Day!

Last week, more than 100 SEIU 503 homecare workers and consumers showed up at the Oregon Capitol to lobby for the funding we need for our new contract and to support our union’s top priority bill: HB 3838 (Workforce Standards Board). Lobby days are when members travel to the Capitol and meet with legislators and staff to advocate for an issue. There is no better advocate for SEIU 503 members than our members. Lawmakers hearing directly from you is the most powerful tool to win at the legislature. Kudos to all who made it to the Capitol last week. If you didn’t, you can still make a difference by emailing your lawmakers right now. Click here!

Let’s Rally to Protect Oregon’s State Budget

Join us at the State Capitol to rally on June 5th from 12:00pm – 2:00pm to fight for a state budget that reflects Oregon’s values, protects essential services and invests in Oregon workers. Oregonians depend on state services to make ends meet, to care for and educate children, to maintain affordable and quality healthcare and so much more. We know that the time is now to act and assure that we continue to fund important services in our state, no matter what the federal government says! Register here! 

Expect a Phone Call May 21 around 6pm!

SEIU 503 invites all care providers to join us for a Homecare Bargaining Teletown Hall, where we’ll share the latest updates from the contract negotiation table. This is your chance to hear directly from bargaining team members about the progress we’ve made over the past several weeks, the priorities we’re fighting for, and what’s coming next in our campaign to win a strong contract for all homecare and personal support workers. This will be an interactive experience, so if you’d like to ask a question or make a comment, you’ll have the opportunity to do so throughout the call. We hope you can join us!

The teletown hall will take place on Wednesday, May 21 at 6pm. Members can join by phone from the comfort of their homes — no need to travel or download anything. Simply answer the call when it comes in between 5:50 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. If you miss the call, you can dial-in using the number we’ll provide ahead of time. 

Don’t miss this important opportunity to stay connected and engaged in the fight for respect, recognition, and a fair contract for care workers across Oregon. Make sure your phone number is up to date with SEIU 503 so you don’t miss the call! Click here to update your information.

Union-Wide All Member Town Hall Meeting on Zoom!

Stay informed about our union by taking part in our bimonthly all-member town hall, all from the comfort of your laptop, cell phone or tablet, wherever you are.   

Mark your calendar for our next virtual town hall meeting on Tuesday, May 20th at 5:30pm on Zoom. This month, SEIU 503 President Johnny Earl and Executive Director Melissa Unger discuss the state’s revenue forecast and what it could mean for workers, federal budget bills making their way through Congress, bargaining and other topics that impact Oregonians.

Register today for this month’s town hall session by clicking here.

Save the Date: Immigration Committee Launch

Our Immigration Committee will have a special launch event at our Portland office on Saturday, May 31st, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Immigration Committee’s purpose is to provide a safe and supportive space for immigrant members of SEIU 503, as well as any member impacted by immigration and citizenship issues. Join us for food, community building, and to learn more about the committee. RSVP here.