Political Action

Fight Back Against Budget Cuts with Our Future Montgomery!

It’s not just dollars our schools are losing – it’s adult presence, it’s the best and the brightest, it’s programs that are proven to help our kids succeed. When the success of our public schools is threatened, the future of our county is threatened. Join us and speak out to the Montgomery County Council!

Important Budget News for Part-Time Faculty at Montgomery College

The Montgomery County Council is actively considering Montgomery College’s budget request for the 2011-2012 academic year.  Due to the difficult state of our economy, the entire college community sacrificed and Montgomery College offered a budget that keeps funding from the …

Fighting for a Fair Economy

Instead of making good jobs their highest priority, some elected officials are proposing more giveaways to corporations and more tax cuts for the rich.  At the same time, they’re attacking public services, trying to dismantle healthcare reform, scapegoating immigrant workers, …

Hundreds Protest Cuts to School Funding in Montgomery Co.

On April 5, hundreds of us joined teachers, administrators, and parents to rally for school funding in Rockville. To say we made an impression is an understatement! Marching down Rt. 355 and up Maryland Avenue then converging on the County Council Building, we made our voices heard to our county council members and the public.

Tell Annapolis: “Keep The Promise”

Call your Maryland State Senator and Representatives today: 1-888-216-PROMISE (1-888-216-7766). Tell them to support a compromise similar to that proposed by the Maryland State Education Association that SAVES the same amount of money, while protecting what we’ve paid for.

April 5: “Stand Up for Schools” Budget Rally

Join hundreds of MCAAP, MCEA and Local 500 members as we march and rally to send a clear message to the county council — “Don’t sacrifice our schools!” Stand up for your job and the children we serve — sign up today.

Annapolis Update: 3/7/2011

The legislative session got off to a slow start this year, which is normally the case in post-election sessions with newly elected legislators getting acclimated and committee assignments being shifted. Now, at the mid-point, the heat is on — with preventing child care subsidy cuts and pension changes at the top of Local 500′s agenda.

Why SEIU is Standing Up in Wisconsin

Thanks to the courageous stand of the working men and women of Wisconsin, the national movement to preserve our middle class and defend the American Dream has been renewed in a big way. Learn more at seiu.org.

Fight Back Against Pension Cuts March 14

Right now in Maryland, like Wisconsin, some politicians are trying to place the burden of budget shortfalls squarely on the shoulders of public servants and their families.
Sign up to Fight Back!

Joint Statement, Call to Action

Local 500 and the other MCPS employee unions stand issued the following joint statement on the budget process and the list of potential cuts that Dr. Weast issued on January 31st. First, we do not support any of the cuts, but we realize that some or all could become necessary.

Where is the Vision?

We must stop pitting the interests of our county’s various communities against one another; stop cynical suggestions like “It’s libraries OR parks OR services for seniors OR schools.” Real leadership requires vision and a plan for our county to serve …

Local 500 to Ed Board: Pass Fair MCPS Budget

On Jan. 12, Merle Cuttitta testified before the Montgomery County Board of Education that, “MCPS’s commitment and investment in its workforce is its hallmark.” She called on the board to not abandon “all that we’ve built” and not to force “dedicated staff [to] choose between the jobs they love and supporting their own families?”

Stand Up for MCPS Funding at Board of Ed

Join us January 12 at 7:00pm for the Board of Education’s budget hearing at Carver Educational Services Center. SEIU Local 500 President Merle Cuttitta will testify before the Board in support of the Superintendent’s budget. We need you there too! …

Joint Statement of MCAAPS, MCEA & SEIU Local 500

The three unions representing employees of MCPS appreciate the diligent effort by the Office of Legislative Oversight staff in producing its “Options for Long-Term Fiscal Balance” report. We believe, however, the enormous importance given it by both the media and …

Congratulations to Member-Endorsed Candidates

SEIU Local 500 members would like to congratulate our endorsed candidates who won their Primary races this Tuesday. It was a fantastic Primary for working families. In particular, we congratulate Karen Montgomery, Joanne Benson and Craig Rice.

Why Vote?

By Executive Board Member Marianne Thomas Sibal

If we were sitting with a couple of co-workers having coffee and somebody mentioned the upcoming election, what would the conversation sound like? By reading this, our local’s first guest blog, my hope is you will feel more comfortable encouraging everyone to vote and you’ll have a better idea of where to find information on the candidates that work for us by supporting our local union.