Los Angeles – Actors' Equity Association, the labor union representing more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers in live theatre, congratulates Anthony Portantino on his primary victory for the open Congressional seat in California's 30th Congressional District. Equity endorsed Portantino in January.
"Today, Equity celebrates not just an endorsement victory, but a win for our constant ally," said Al Vincent Jr., executive director of Actors' Equity Association. "As a California State Senator, he has made sure that unions in general, and Equity in particular, are partners in crafting vital legislation that betters the lives of workers. We are urging our members in his district to support Anthony Portantino in the general election in November."
Portantino was the lead sponsor of SB 1116, a bill signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom that establishes the Equitable Payroll Fund (EPF), a grant program designed to support live performances – and workers directly – by providing reimbursements of payroll expenses. This program supports jobs for both production and non-production employees.
Portantino also passed SB 799, a bill that would have made unemployment benefits available to striking workers. Currently New York and New Jersey are the only states that make unemployment available to workers on strike.
Equity's federal public policy priorities include tax fairness, defending and protecting the right to collectively bargain, a prevailing wage in the arts, racial justice, a strong minimum wage, stronger federal and state arts funding, gun violence prevention, universal federal health care and LGBTQ non-discrimination protections.
ACTORS' EQUITY ASSOCIATION, founded in 1913, is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers. Equity endeavors to advance the careers of its members by negotiating wages, improving working conditions and providing a wide range of benefits (health and pension included). Member: AFL-CIO, FIA. www.actorsequity.org #EquityWorks
March 6, 2024
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