California

You decide.

AFSCME Endorses Proposition 82
Labor Desk
March 1, 2006

SACRAMENTO – The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) voted to endorse Proposition 82, calling the initiative a step forward for working families. Proposition 82, the Preschool for All initiative, will appear on the June primary ballot.

“The entire AFSCME family is 100% behind Proposition 82,” said Richard Cabral, Chair of the PEOPLE’s Steering Committee, the legislative and political arm of AFSCME’s 76 local unions.

“Preschool for All will help children enter school ready to learn – and help them learn to read by third grade. Just as important, Proposition 82 provides funding to improve qualifications for preschool teachers and aides, and it will it will give a break to California’s working families.”

AFSCME joins several of California’s leading labor organizations – including the California Teachers Association, the California Federation of Teachers, and the Services Employees International Union – in support of Proposition 82. Together, these groups represent over 1 million Californians.

Studies show that kids go to quality preschool, they enter school better prepared to learn, more likely to read by the third grade, and more likely to graduate from high school. Proposition 82 will provide a high-quality, voluntary preschool education for every four-year old in California.

Supported by Rob Reiner and a broad coalition of children's advocates, business leaders, educators, law enforcement and elected public officials, Proposition 82 is a landmark initiative to strengthen our schools and invest in our children.

AFSCME represents 135,000 member in California, including university employees, and city and municipal workers.