(Read the full article by David Robb at Deadline.com)
A bill that would make striking workers in California eligible to receive up to $450 a week in unemployment insurance benefits passed in the state Senate on Thursday by a vote of 27-12. Senate Bill 799, which passed in the state Assembly last month, now heads to the desk of Gov. Gavin Newsom, who can either sign it into law or veto it.
His signature, however, is by no means certain. Last year, he vetoed 169 bills while signing nearly 1,000. In 2019, a similar bill failed in the Senate by just two votes.
Striking workers in New York and New Jersey are entitled to collect unemployment benefits after two weeks on the picket line, but those in California currently aren’t eligible because they’re considered to have left their jobs “voluntarily.”
Senate Bill 799 would change that. It has received support from numerous unions and labor organizations across the state, including the Writers Guild, SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, Actors’ Equity, the California Labor Federation and AFL-CIO. Supporters say that if enacted, it will provide a much-needed “safety net” for striking workers and their families.
(Read the full article by David Robb at Deadline.com)
PLEASE CONTACT GOVERNOR NEWSOM’S OFFICE AND URGE HIM TO SIGN THIS BILL INTO LAW.
Click this link to fill out a small form to email the Governor. For the topic, select “Legislation Issues/Concerns” and then click the large blue Next button:
On the next screen, select “Pro” and then type in a comment about how you would like Governor Newsom to sign California State Bill 799 into law:
There is one more screen after this. Fill in your First and Last name, and then email address and optional phone number, and then click submit:
You may also contact Governor Gavin Newsom by mail at:
Governor Gavin Newsom
1021 O Street, Suite 9000
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 445-2841
Due to limited resources, responses to inquiries via mail may take longer than those submitted using the email form.
