Take That, Arnold!!

Posted in: Electronic Recording

E.R. is NOT in the State Budget. Court Reporters Board is Safe

It’s confirmed! On an issue as important as this, we didn’t want to send out unconfirmed information with a caveat. Our COCRA and labor lobbyists have now confirmed that the budget proposal reached last night by the Legislative Leadership does NOT contain Electronic or Digital Recording.

The Court Reporters Board was untouched as well and will continue to serve the public, as well as license and oversee Certified Shorthand Reporting professionals and administer the Transcript Reimbursement Fund.

The court reporters of California waged a tough battle and we can all be proud of the part we played in keeping ER at bay once again and out of California courtrooms. We are proud of our members for rallying to the call for support from COCRA’s Preserving Access to Justice Task Force. It is only with your help this result was achieved.

But the true heroes in this defeat are our Legislative Leadership, Assembly Speaker Karen Bass and Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, who worked tirelessly, standing fast against the Governor’s demands to implement ER. The Leaders’ offices and staff members have always been receptive and repeatedly facilitated the efforts of the COCRA Team and union leaders while continuing to support other court employee interests. We hope you will show them your gratitude.

COCRA’s lobbyists, Barry Broad and Shane Gusman, along with our labor leaders, Willie Pelote and Michael Bolden from AFSCME and Michelle Castro from SEIU, as always, were instrumental in protecting our interests and continuing to monitor and influence the negotiations, and we offer them a huge round of applause! They are truly our eyes and ears in Sacramento, literally watching our backs every day, not just during these times of crisis.

It is anticipated that the state budget will be ready for a final vote in the Legislature later this week. Our COCRA Team will continue to keep you informed. Check our website for up-to-the-minute reports.

California is still in a grave fiscal situation, and the Governor is sure to resurrect his perceived ER “solution” again the next time he’s looking for an answer to the state’s budgetary problems. But, for now, breathe easy and enjoy the victory…..and thank your lucky stars and those who supported you!

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