Governor Puts State on Path to Healthier Economy; More Needs to Be Done

The following is a statement by California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski on the close of the 2011 legislative session:

“With economic recovery the clear priority for California families, Gov. Jerry Brown moved the state in the right direction by signing into law a number of critical bills that address our deep jobs crisis and other challenges facing workers.

“While this legislative session ended with some important strides toward a healthier economy, it also exposed just how much more needs to be done. The state has no time for partisan dysfunction when so many people are struggling. We can’t afford to allow corporate lobbyists to dissuade our leaders from doing right by consumers and our economy. The big banks and Wall Street are making more money than ever at the expense of California families. We are witnessing a continued corporate assault on the middle class.

“Working people need a bold vision from our state’s leaders on the creation of good, high-road jobs that will fuel our recovery. To achieve that, we must recommit to investing in our state’s future instead of enabling the Wall Street-led race to the bottom. The California labor movement will work with the governor and legislative leaders in the next year and beyond to champion policies that will protect workers and restore the vitality of our state’s economy.”

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