|
As we head into the holiday weekend, I want to wish a Happy Labor Day to our workers in El Dorado County and across our nation. The past couple of years have not been short of challenges and has only further underscored the importance of an organized and unified voice to advocate for workers on the frontlines of our communities.
When I think of Labor Day, I think of my parents who raised me with the greatest example of hard work, the value of public service and the importance of lifting others up. I think of my dad who works as a school service worker & shop steward for SEIU local 1021. (That's me and my dad, Dominic Montez, in the picture above.) I think of my grandfather, a Korean War Veteran who following his service in the Army, returned home to work a full career with the U.S. Postal Service and advocate for improved working conditions via NALC. I think of the four generations of my family who have worked as farm laborers in California’s rural communities and the stories of my blended Chicano (Mexican American) & Filipino family marching alongside Cesar Chavez for La Causa (the cause) in the 1960's. I think of how far we have come thanks to those who came before and go forward with a deep sense of responsibility to continue the fight.
Alongside unions, the Democratic Party has a proven record in fighting to help to build worker power and promote economic equality by advocating for fair wages, improved benefits and important on-the job safety protections with a far-reaching impact leading to overall healthier and more prosperous communities. Growing up with a parent who had a union job meant I had access to healthcare, family time, and an overall better quality of life.
While the Republican Party continues to try and weaken OSHA, oppose family leave policies, and promote policies that benefit the ultra-rich on the backs of working people, the Democratic Party firmly stands with workers and is further resolved to fight back. The upcoming election is incredibly consequential for workers and the overall economic health of our communities.
The Democratic Party’s support for workers isn’t just in words, it’s a top priority proven with action. Thanks to the Biden Administration & Democratic Leadership in Congress, millions of good jobs will be created under the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. Additionally, President Biden has taken action to provide immediate direct relief to millions of American workers by providing up to $20,000 in student debt cancellation. These are historic investments in workers, and it is crucial that we continue building on this momentum.
Sending you all wishes for a day full of rest (rest now because we are entering into full on GOTV season and we’ll need all hands-on deck to support our pro-worker candidates).
In Solidarity,
Lauren
| 
