Today is a proud day for SEIU 2015 and hundreds of thousands of caregivers across California as our dynamic and inspiring former President of over a decade, Laphonza Butler, was appointed by Governor Newsom to fill the seat of the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein. Laphonza has been steadfast in her dedication to improving the lives of everyday Americans and bringing long-term care workers, women of color, and immigrants out of the shadows and to the forefront of our national conscience where they belong. Laphonza will bring a fresh perspective to the US Senate from her decades of experience in the labor movement fighting for racial and economic justice, as well as her experience being a mother and serving as an inspiration for young women of color everywhere.
Laphonza’s tenure as President of SEIU 2015 and SEIU California was inspirational and impactful—she achieved historic victories, including the passage of the nation’s first $15 statewide minimum wage that changed the lives of millions of Californians, for which Laphonza’s leadership was honored by President Obama. At this pivotal moment, pro-worker voices like Laphonza Butler are absolutely imperative to ensure progress for working families. We look forward to seeing the impact we know Laphonza will have in her new role.