Alex Padilla for California State Senate

HIGHLIGHTS OF COUNCILMEMBER ALEX PADILLA’S RECORD
ON ISSUES OF IMPORTANCE TO WORKING FAMILIES

• Councilmember Alex Padilla strongly opposed Governor Schwarzenegger’s measures on the November 2005 special election ballot, including the governor’s attempt to limit the political participation of firefighters, police officers, nurses, teachers, and other public employees. He opened a special campaign committee, which financed a mail and radio campaign to help defeat Propositions 74 and 75. He also authored the resolutions that officially put the City of Los Angeles’s opposition to these measures on record.

• Councilmember Padilla strongly supports standards for private security industry workers and is currently working on legislation that would help professionalize the workforce in the private security industry.

• Councilmember Padilla supported the creation of the city’s $100 million Housing Trust Fund, which is creating hundreds of union jobs and providing housing for working families.

• Councilmember Padilla regularly provided food for striking and locked out UFCW workers. He is the author of the Grocery Worker Retention Ordinance, which would require companies acquiring a grocery store to retain most employees and to maintain or exceed the store’s existing wages and benefits. The ordinance will be heard in Council by the end of the year.

• Councilmember Padilla supports the construction of the new Downtown Los Angeles sports and entertainment district known as “l.a. live,” which includes a new Convention Center Headquarters Hotel. As President of the City Council, he created an ad hoc committee to monitor the project’s progress and ensure its success. This development is expected to initially create 5,500 union jobs, and more than 13,000 union jobs during the course of construction.

• Councilmember Padilla supported the city’s efforts to partner with SEIU Local 434B to assist seniors and others who need care through a new In-Home Supportive Service Program. Through the city’s Department of Aging, this program provides respite care so that family members caring for an elderly or disabled relative can have a much-needed break.

• Councilmember Padilla worked with Time Warner and Comcast to ensure that they negotiate in good faith with the Communication Workers of America (CWA) regarding workers affected by the Adelphia sale.

• When Governor Schwarzenegger was threatening cuts, Councilmember Padilla supported the continuation of state funding for the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program. The program, which is facing severe cuts, supports workers who perform crucial public services to the frail, elderly, and those with disabilities.

• As a member of the Employee Executive Relations Committee, Councilmember Padilla supported improvements to the fire and police pension systems.

• Councilmember Padilla strongly supported the Immigrant Worker Freedom Ride organized by labor, business, immigrant and civil rights groups to promote citizenship and improve working conditions for immigrant workers.

• Councilmember Padilla supported the proposal to modernize Los Angeles International Airport (also known as the LAX Master Plan), which would create thousands of union jobs.

• Councilmember Padilla supported the city’s $225 million project to renovate the interior of the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

• Councilmember Padilla has worked with city departments to ensure their compliance with the city’s Project Labor Agreements.

• During the 2000 MTA strike, Councilmember Padilla authored the city’s resolution urging Mayor Riordan to settle the strike.

• Councilmember Padilla opposed Governor Schwarzenegger’s proposed changes to the state’s pension system and co-hosted a hearing in Los Angeles to educate community leaders and the public on this important issue.