The initiatives on the Special Election ballot of November 8 would have negatively impacted 2.5 million teachers, fire-fighters, and nurses for the next three decades, and seriously affected many Californians, especially students. Voters stood up, took a stand and said "NO" to Propo.sitions 74, 75 and 76. SCTA began proclaiming victory when a majority of voters opposed these three initiatives.

 

However, victory did not come easy. In fact, it was a battle to the end. Much time and effort was necessary in order to be victorious in this special election. In conjunction with CTA, SCTA members participated in precinct walking and phone banking to get out the vote, spending hours, days, weeks and even months on this important effort to secure their future. Furthermore, SCTA showed their dedication during "Get Out the Vote" weekend as they phone banked at our annual Fall Leadership conference held November 4-6. Members sacrificed Saturday's morning and/or after.noon workshop sessions to "Get Out The Vote."

 

On the night of November 8, many victory celebrations were well underway. In fact, I was fortunate enough to have  taken part in the cele.bration at the Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. Many distinguished digni.taries were present including, CTA Vice President David Sanchez, Warren Beatty, and Los Angeles Mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa, just to name a few.

 

It was amazing to witness the mobilization efforts of teachers and future teachers to improve California. This special election proved to bring together teachers' unions including California Teachers Association.