April 23, 2018
Contact: Steve Smith, 510-326-4644 ssmith@calaborfed.org

NextGen America, California Labor Federation effort has had over 100,000 conversations with voters and knocked over 160,000 doors

San Francisco, CA — More than six months before Election Day, Uniting California is celebrating a major milestone in its effort to educate Californians about Congressional Republicans’ votes to sell out their constituents to the wealthy and corporations. Since launching last October 2017, Uniting California has knocked on over 160,000 doors and had conversations with over 100,000 voters in person and over the phone in targeted districts.

“California Republicans have knowingly turned their backs on their constituents, siding with  wealthy donors and corporations over California,” said NextGen America President Tom Steyer. “Republicans have voted to strip millions of their health care coverage, cut crucial services to working families, and restrict workers’ right to organize, all while giving the wealthiest Americans a massive tax break. Californians deserve leaders who will put working families first and fight for good-paying union jobs — and we’re going to make sure every voter knows exactly where their current leaders stand before casting their ballot.”

“California voters are weary of politics as usual and the failed status quo in Washington,” said California Labor Federation executive secretary-treasurer Art Pulaski. “In conversation after conversation, we hear the desire for engagement on the issues that really matter to our families. That’s what makes Uniting California unique. By talking to voters one-on-one, we’re cutting through the political noise to elevate the issues that matter most and hold elected officials accountable to their constituents.”

“We have spoken with thousands of voters across the state that have expressed outrage that Congressional Republicans are cutting healthcare for the most vulnerable while simultaneously slashing taxes for corporations and the wealthy,” said California Calls Action Fund Field Director Karla Zombro who helps oversees the Million Voter Project Action Fund. “Along with our local partners, we remain committed to holding Congressional Republicans accountable for their records and building power for communities in need over the long haul.”

Uniting California — an effort by NextGen America and the California Labor Federation — is educating and engaging voters in seven GOP-held districts — CA-10 (Rep. Denham), CA-21 (Rep. Valadao), CA-25 (Rep. Knight), CA-39 (Rep. Royce), CA-45 (Rep. Walters),  CA-48 (Rep. Rohrabacher), CA-49 (Rep. Issa) — where Trump’s congressional allies are putting party and corporate profits ahead of the American people.

Through Uniting California, NextGen and the California Labor Federation are working with local organizations to connect with voters in person, holding neighborhood canvasses and phone banks, and using digital tools like peer-to-peer text messaging and social media. By partnering with grassroots organizations that have strong connections to their communities, the effort is educating and engaging voters on important local issues — including economic prosperity, health care, racial and environmental justice, and quality education.

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The California Labor Federation is made up of more than 1,200 unions, representing 2.1 million union members in manufacturing, retail, construction, hospitality, public sector, health care, entertainment and other industries.