“We won’t stand by and let a tax that’s supposed to target billionaires turn into a trapdoor for working families”
LOS ANGELES, CA — Dozens of trades and construction workers rallied in the Los Angeles region today to urge Californians to vote no on Proposition 40, warning that the measure could drive away investment and capital, threaten good-paying jobs and critical infrastructure, and create additional risks for California’s economy and state budget.
Workers and labor leaders joined members of the No on Proposition 40 coalition at the event, highlighting concerns about the measure’s impact on investment, economic growth, and the resources California needs to build housing, infrastructure, and other critical projects.
“We won’t stand by and let a tax that’s supposed to target billionaires turn into a trapdoor for working families and we won’t support policies that scare away the private investment that keeps our crane booms moving and our crews working,” said District Council of Iron Workers of California and Vicinity Political Director Xochitl Medrano. “We want California to be a place where you can do honest union work, build a good life, and know that what you’ve earned with your own two hands won’t be stripped away in the fine print. On behalf of the ironworkers, we are urging our members and all working Californians to vote no on Prop 40.”
“Our schools, first responders, our construction workers depend on a healthy state budget – but with $25 billion less in the bank, that’s less money for water, road and electrical infrastructure,” said Council Representative for the LA/OC Building and Construction Trades Council Andrew Gonzales referring to research that finds Proposition 40 would leave the state worse off by an estimated $25 billion once lost income tax revenue is considered. “That means higher costs for utilities and longer commutes to get to work. That also means fewer jobs and high-growth careers in the building trades, and that’s fewer opportunities for our apprentices right here to grow in their careers. Vote no on Prop 40.”
Today’s event was held in La Palma, on the border of Los Angeles and Orange counties at an apprenticeship facility for the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers. Every year, the facility trains thousands of apprentices in structural and architectural steel construction, rigging, and metalwork.
Millions of workers across California are standing together against Proposition 40 and labor organizations opposing the measure include: the California Teachers Association, United Domestic Workers, State Building & Construction Trades Council of California, California State Council of Laborers, United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America, California-Nevada Conference of the Operating Engineers, and many others.
Last week, in response to U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders’ visit to California, Governor Gavin Newsom also reiterated his opposition to Proposition 40: “I’m with firefighters, I’m with Planned Parenthood. You know my position is well established on that.”
Over the weekend, other members of the No on 40 coalition spoke out against the measure, including former Congresswoman Katie Porter, one of California’s top progressive Democrats, as well as San Francisco Democratic Party Chair Nancy Tung and immediate past president of the LA County Medical Association and Director of Public Health, Integration & Street Medicine at Kedren Community Health Center Dr. Jerry Abraham.
In recent days, the No on 40 coalition released a new statewide ad that features doctors and Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California explaining how this measure won’t actually fix the state’s healthcare problems.
Proposition 40 faces opposition from a broad coalition of doctors, teachers, small business owners, community clinics, labor unions, firefighters, healthcare providers, first responders, affordable housing organizations, and working families. Together, they warn that this measure is bad for California’s budget, economy, and future. Here’s more on what they’re saying about the measure.