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SUPPORT PUBLIC SERVICE ACCOUNTABILITY

Voters Want Public Services They Can Count on;
a New Law Can Make it Happen!

Budget cuts threaten public services.  In a recent national poll, voters said that reliability is one of the most important things they look for in public services.  A majority believes that services provided by public agencies are more reliable than services turned over to profit-driven corporations. SEIU members support efforts to increase accountability in public service and hope they can count on your support as well.

Representative Steve Smith is the chief author of House File 323 and Senator Linda Higgins is chief author of Senate File 386.  These bills create public service accountability by improving and protecting the services we all rely on through establishing fair standards for services that used to be provided by public employees and are now “contracted out.”

SAFEGUARDING TAXPAYER DOLLARS: The public wants the most bang for its buck.  This bill calls for a detailed analysis of all costs associated with contracting out a service, and requires a minimum savings of 15% on all privatization contracts.

SECURING THE PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO KNOW: The bill requires full public access to information pertaining to the delivery of a public service.

GUARANTEEING CONTINUITY OF SERVICE DELIVERY: This legislation requires that services not be disrupted, and that experienced, qualified workers not be penalized if a contractor takes over a public service.

ENSURING THAT ALL FUNDS GO TO PUBLIC SERVICES: All tax dollars should be spent on the public service the money is provided for.  This bill prohibits contractors from diverting money to other uses, such as, interfering with employee’s right to choose a voice at work.

WEEDING OUT UNQUALIFIED COMPANIES: This legislation requires contractors to divulge their employees’ experience and training, any complaints filed against the firm for violations of Federal, State or Local laws and regulations, and the company’s political contributions and foreign holdings.