On Thursday, the news broke that California Attorney General Kamala Harris negotiated a major win for Californians currently facing foreclosure.
Out of the $25 billion foreclosure settlement led by a large group of states’ attorney generals, California will be receiving the biggest chunk – $12 billion.
While most states negotiated a lower amount, Attorney General Harris would not concede to a number that was not representative of the harm done to the people of California.
Often referred to as “ground-zero” for foreclosures, the Golden State has seen an estimated 1.2 million home foreclosures since 2008, with an additional 800,000 home foreclosure notices to be sent to homes by 2012 according to a report by the RE-Fund California Campaign. In addition, it is now proven that communities of color were unfairly targeted with subprime loans.
For example, Rose Gudiel, a SEIU United Long Term Care Workers (ULTCW) member fought hard and recently won her case against Fannie Mae who tried to foreclose on her home. But it took the effort of ULTCW and other community groups to occupy the lobby of the Fannie Mae building in Pasadena and even get arrested for Fannie Mae to work with Rose and her family.
“We are extremely proud of our Attorney General,” said Laphonza Butler, President of SEIU ULTCW. “She campaigned on being a leader for working people, she walked in the shoes of one of our members, and with this unprecedented win against foreclosures, she has proven to be a fighter for the needs of Californians.”
Elected in 2010, SEIU ULTCW was the first local union to endorse and support Ms. Harris. In addition; ULTCW was the first local to send members to help count ballots during the recount.
For workers in long term care, there is much at state at the local, state and federal levels. This giant win for California is a direct result of ULTCW’s commitment to elect candidates who share our values and have the courage to care to make decisions that help working families.
You can read more about this victory for all Californians HERE.
