A BAD IDEA by POC Clinicians

The Parole Outpatient Clinic (POC) provides vital and unique services to people suffering from mental illness who are under parole supervision. This population is unequivocally underserved, historically and currently.  The POC provides in-depth mental health care to its clients as provided for by the 8th amendment. Because of our training, infrastructure and collaborative in-person relationships with parole agents, clients’ and other stakeholders the POC is the only program in the state uniquely co-located to provide these services. We ask you to support us as we fight to continue serving this often overlooked and unheard population.
Our video can be seen by clicking HERE

T.E.A.M. Report #3

Coronavirus has strained the economy of local and state
governments throughout our nation, leaving a $54.3 billion
deficit in the California budget. Governor Newsom has
responded with the May budget revise, which includes a
proposed 10% pay reduction for all state employees. Each
bargaining unit in the state is negotiating the terms of this
proposed pay reduction.

Read more here Team report #3

“Why am I choosing to stick with my Local during this crisis?” Chelsea Harris

Right now, more than ever, our members need the guidance and support in these unprecedented times. Since the union demonstrates its resilience time and time again, what we are faced with today, is no different. It’s the bad and the ugly circumstances that continue to reinforce the union’s dependability, durability, and unity to overcome the adversities brought forth to our members. The union will never be perfect, and I would never expect it to be; but make no mistake, the opportunities the union has brought, and will continue to bring, will prioritize you, your family, and your quality of life.
Chelsea Harris, M.S., CTRS
Region III Chief Steward
Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC) Chair

Newsom outlines new budget proposal amid coronavirus crisis

(Content provided by The Sacramento Bee)

BY DAVID LIGHTMAN AND SOPHIA BOLLAG

JUNE 08, 2020 05:00 AM

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced his new budget proposal on May 14, 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic. The proposal includes heavy use of reserves and federal funding but also cuts to education, health care and other services.

Washington has no plans to vote on more federal aid to the states before California’s June 15 deadline to pass a state budget — a budget that Democratic lawmakers say badly needs help for schools, health care, police and just for keeping thousands of people working.

Instead, what Sacramento and other state capitals see on Capitol Hill is a stalemate without an obvious end. Or even a clear path forward.

That means big trouble, or at the least a lot of drawn-out tension, for California and its lawmakers.

Gov. Gavin Newsom is calling on the federal government to send the state more money, and has laid out a budget plan with $14 billion in so-called trigger cuts. The economic downturn brought on by the coronavirus created an estimated $54.3 billion deficit for the next year.

Without federal aid, a long list of state programs face reductions that will be felt everywhere. The state fiscal year begins July 1, and if Congress fails to act before that — and right now, that’s not a good bet — the California cuts would be triggered.

Education funding would be cut. So would dental benefits for low-income people. State preschool programs would have fewer slots for children than planned and less funding per child.

Less money would go to child care programs. The University of California and California State University systems would lose about 10 percent of state funding.

A counter-proposal from the Legislature would make fewer cuts, but its plan still relies heavily on federal funding.

In Washington, the House, Senate and President Donald Trump need to agree on a package before anything can become law. Though there are some talks there’s little evidence of progress towards an agreement.

The House, which last month approved a $1 trillion state and local government aid package, has scheduled no votes until June 30.

In the Senate, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has urged a pause in stimulus legislation, and last week outlined a June schedule that does not include any such package. The Senate plans to spend the month considering nominations and major defense as well as land and conservation bills.

Conservative, liberal and moderate economic and policy experts are largely unified in their plea for more help as most states face sudden, huge deficits that by law have to be addressed.

“State and local governments desperately need financial support,” said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics.

A copy of the full article can be found here FULL ARTICLE

“Why am I choosing to stick with my Local during this crisis?” Lisa Smith

I became more active in my Union just as our world began to change with the current COVID-19 health and economic crisis. The burden is heavy but lightened by our strength in unity. What I have been most encouraged by is the attention and respect that is given when our issues are approached from the Union perspective rather than individuals attempting to tackle the system on our own. In unity, our voices are loud and clear. I am with my Union because my Union is with me. 

Lisa Smith
Individual Program Coordinator Occupational Chair
Porterville developmental Center

“Why am I choosing to stick with my Local during this crisis?” Victor Pacheco

During these times, one may ask themselves,

“Why am I choosing to stick with my Local during this crisis?”

Our board members were asked recently. Their answers will be shared on the front page and news feed this month.

In dealing with supervisors, managers, the state and bureaucracy in general, going up against them as an individual seems to be a David vs. Goliath proposition.  Having AFSCME behind me, my voice is stronger and better heard than just me. I’m bigger against the machine with AFSCME behind me.

I was on the call this afternoon to give a minute of testimony against the POC and DJJ closures.  I could not have done that without AFSCME as a citizen, but it’s through AFSCME that our lobbyist helped to facilitate an organized call with many POC clinicians.  Tomorrow, there’s a hearing on non-punitive terminations.  Again, as an individual, you can listen and provide your testimony to the legislators.  But you’d be unlikely to follow through.  We are stronger as an organization than as individuals.

Speaking (my) truth to power is a challenge and many psychologists I know fear retaliation for speaking up.  I don’t.  That may be because I have AFSCME behind me.  I’m a better state employee as a result of the union.

Victor Pacheco, Psy.D.
CMF Psychologist
State Psychologist Occupational Committee (SPOC) Chair

Fund POC

An administrative decision to place Behavioral Health Reintegration (BHR)/formerly Parole Outpatient Clinic (POC) is how this program within CA Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation(CDCR) was placed on the cutting board. Efforts by Local 2620 Steward and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Demetria Saunders along with Kim Carter-Martinez, Political and Legislative Director, have not gone unnoticed. The nonstop campaign to advocate against the defunding proposal has been supported by well over 40 clinicians and appears to be gaining attention.

There are close to 100 clinicians within the Behavioral Health Reintegration program. Their program within CDCR faces uncertainty as the members testify is hearings via teleconference with various members of the Budget Committee to express to them the importance of keeping their program funded.

A pivotal step is to speak with the governors office in order to educate and express professionally and respectfully the impact of the decision to defund the program.  Many decisions are suggested without a plan on how to address the windfall of failure for parolees and the vital resources this program provides. Impacted clinicians led by Demetria Saunders, are motivated and ready to keep this momentum moving in order to right this wrong.

How can you help? By using the information below, show your support without ceasing until the vote reflects a change in course for one of the most vital programs within CDCR.

Below you will find a list of the Assembly Budget Committee members names and numbers. I am requesting if you see YOUR perspective Assembly person on the list PLEASE call/email them and request a meeting. If they agree you can inform kim.cartermartinez@afscme57.org or demetira_hrhr@yahoo.com for scheduling support.

If you don’t see your Assembly person listed PLEASE still contact your Assembly person and you can also request a meeting.

Who we ALL need to contact by phone and email is the Governor’s office to request a meeting.

Assembly Budget Committee

Assembly-member Phil Ting 916-319-2019

Assembly-member Jay Obernolte 916-319-2019

Assembly-member Dr. Joaquin Arumbula 916-319-2033

Assembly-member Richard Bloom 916-319-2050

Assembly-member Bill Brough 916-319-2073

Assembly-member David Chiu 916-319-2017

Assembly-member Jim Cooper 916-319-2009

Assembly-member Vince Fong 916-319-2034

Assembly-member Jim Frazier 916-319-2011

Assembly-member James Gallagher 916-319-2003

Assembly-member Cristina Garcia 916-319-2058

Assembly-member Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer Sr. 916-319-2059

Assembly-member Kevin Kiley 916-319-2006

Assembly-member Tom Lackey 916-319-2036

Assembly-member Monique Limon 916-319-2037

Assembly-member Devon Mathis 916-319-2026

Assembly-member Kevin McCarty 916-309-2007

Assembly-member Jose Medina 916-319-2061

Assembly-member Kevin Mullin 916-319-2061

Assembly-member Al Muraysuchi 916-319-2066

Assembly-member Adrin Nazarian 916-319-2046

Assembly-member Patrick O’Donnell 916-319-2070

Assembly-member Jim Patterson 916-319-2023

Assembly-member James C Ramos 916-319-2040

Assembly-member Eloise Gomez Reyes 916-319-2047

Assembly-member Luz M. Rivas 916-319-2039

Assembly-member Blanca E. Rubio 916-319-2048

Assembly-member Mark Stone 916-319-2029

Assembly-member Shirley N. Weber 916-319-2079

Assembly-member Buffy Wicks 916-319-2015

Assembly-member Jim Wood 916-319-2002

http://www.legislature.ca.gov/legislators and districts/legislators/your_legislator.html

****Important****

Please call the Governor’s office and ask them to meet with us to discuss the CDCR cuts and why they will have disastrous outcomes. We have already sent a letter and also requested to meet. The number is 916-445-2841 AND send comment https://govapps.gov.ca.gov/gov40mail/.

POC/ISMIP/Phone Bank/Email Script

“Hello. My name is __________. I am a _______________ in the _____________program. I have worked for _______________for a total of _____________ years. I live in I am calling/writing to ask you to oppose the closure and moving to county control of the Parolee Outpatient Clinic, and the Integrated Services for Mentally Ill Parolee programs. These programs are vital to serving a population that desperately need resources, and help maneuvering life after prison. Please consider alternatives to closing these state-run programs. The outcomes could be dangerous or adverse effects. Thank you for your consideration.