Dear supporter,
We hope you are enjoying this long Labor Day weekend. We are thrilled to inform you that AB 432 has successfully been moved into the Budget Bill and has been approved by Governor Newsom.
AB 432 language, which aims to provide aspiring interpreters of multiple languages, including indigenous languages with the necessary resources and support to perfect their skills, has been kept and approved. The bill covers the cost of testing attempts, paving the way for future interpreters to become certified. Furthermore, upon successfully completing the State Exam, employment opportunities will be offered to these talented individuals, ensuring they can pursue a rewarding career in the Court.
AB 1032 has passed the Senate Appropiations Committe, and is now off for a full vote on the Senate floor!
This is also a significant step forward in recognizing the invaluable contributions of highly skilled individuals like us within the Court system.
We want to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support throughout this journey. Your commitment and partnership have made a remarkable difference. Together, we have brought us one step closer to achieving our shared vision.
However, our fight is far from over. We must continue to advocate, educate, and empower the need for interpreters in our mother tongues, and there is still work to be done with AB 1032.
The Judicial Council is attempting to eliminate COLA and bonuses provided by AB 1032. Join us in raising awareness about this blatant inequality and advocating for fair treatment of all court interpreters. The Judicial Council's disregard for the people of California who require language access jeopardizes this constitutionally mandated service and aims to privatize it by relying solely on independent contractors. Stand with us in our fight for justice and equal opportunities for all court interpreters and help us preserve Language Access. Share this petition with all your friends and let's make our voices heard. If you work in California, you have the right to live near your workplace. COLA is essential for retaining, attracting employment, and making it sustainable.
Thank you once again for your tremendous support. Let us celebrate this victory and continue our journey towards a better future for interpreters and Language Access for all.
With heartfelt gratitude,
VP Janet Hudec, Sec. Treasurer Carmen Ramos and R 1 Representative, Begonya De Salvo
CFI Local 39000 - Executive Board
[photo taken in front of the State Capitol of California in Sacramento, after a day of lobbying at the Senate. During the national labor conference: "Unionize California"]