Join the Invest in San Diego Families coalition to speak out and make sure the County funds the programs and services our communities need.
You can support by joining in person and/or submitting an e-comment.
Click here to sign up to give in person public comment.
What We're Fighting For
![DSC09820[73]](https://i0.wp.com/investinsdfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/DSC0982073.jpg?fit=600%2C400&ssl=1)
Immigrant Legal Defense Program
The right to a lawyer is a fundamental right. The County must continue to ensure everyone has access to this fundamental right by including $5 million for the Immigrant Legal Defense Program (ILDP). Immigrants who have counsel win their cases more than five times as often as immigrants without legal representation. For immigrants, access to direct legal representation is the last line of defense against separation of families and communities. Detention and deportations harm all of us.
Housing Services for LGBTQ+ Individuals
San Diego has become one of the most expensive regions for renters. LGBTQ+ San Diegans, especially transgender and nonbinary individuals, are disproportionately impacted by housing insecurity, and inclusive services are vital step to achieving housing for all. The County has a responsibility to prevent homelessness and displacement of renters. We are calling on the County to allocate $3 million for LGBTQ+ Housing services.
Fair Contract for County Workers
County workers are the people who process our benefits, care for our loved ones, respond in times of crisis, and keep vital programs running every day. These workers, represented by SEIU Local 221, are currently negotiating their contract with the County of San Diego and are fighting for a fair contract that provides fair wages, health care and equal pay. San Diego is one of the most expensive regions in the nation and all workers should be able to live and thrive in our region.
Transparency & Accessibility
San Diego County residents should be able to access and understand the County budget easily. The County’s recommended budget is difficult to understand and find what is included in the budget. County residents must have access to information on how their public dollars are spent and what is being prioritized. The County must ensure that all versions of the budget and operational plans be accessible and easy to understand.
Click the tabs below for suggested talking points and scripts.
Take Action
- Immigrant Legal Defense Program
- Housing Services for LGBTQ+ Individuals
- Transparency & Accessibility
- Fair Contract for County Workers
- All Priorities
Submit an e-comment here in support of the Immigrant Legal Defense Program.
(500 character limit for e-comments)
Check out some sample comments below:
My name is [NAME], with [ORGANIZATION] and I am a resident of District ___.
I urge the Board to approve the CAO’s proposed $5 million for the Immigrant Legal Defense Program (ILDP).
Access to legal counsel is a fundamental right that should be available to everyone. That's why it is crucial that the County maintains ILDP as a universal and merits-blind legal representation program.
[ADD A PERSONAL STATEMENT IF APPLICABLE]
As a border region, we have a responsibility to provide legal access to those detained in our community.
Submit an e-comment here in support of inclusive and gender-affirming housing services for LGBTQ+ individuals.
(500 character limit for e-comments)
My name is [NAME], I’m a resident of District ____.
Housing is a human right and foundational to health, safety, and dignity. LGBTQ+ individuals, especially transgender and nonbinary individuals, are disproportionately impacted by housing insecurity, and inclusive services, which are vital to realizing a vision of housing for all. Despite Countywide attention to homelessness, affirming housing interventions for LGBTQ+ individuals remain scarce.
[INSERT PERSONAL STORY IF APPLICABLE]
The County has the responsibility to make sure everyone has a place to live. We urge the Board of Supervisors to allocate $3 million for adult and enhanced housing services for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Submit an e-comment here in support of more transparent and accessible budget processes.
(500 character limit for e-comments)
Check out some sample comments below:
My name is [NAME], with [ORGANIZATION] and I am a resident of District ___.
I urge the board to ensure that community members are able to view and access the county's budget and receive updated information on budget hearings. This county is home to many working-class families, students, seniors and people with disabilities that want to participate in a collaborative budget process. When changes to budget hearings are made without sharing it with the public, it prevents active civic participation and limits the community engagement within the budget process.
[INSERT PERSONAL STORY IF APPLICABLE]
I urge the Board to ensure we can all be part of the budget process and be active county residents.
Submit an e-comment here in support of a fair contract for County workers.
(500 character limit for e-comments)
Check out some sample comments below:
Increases flex credits, which reduce out of pocket health care costs.
Addresses the unfairness of Tier D, which forces newer County workers to pay more and receive less than their coworkers doing the same job, simply because of when they were hired, and
Adds to the proposed wage increase
[INSERT PERSONAL STORY IF APPLICABLE]
My name is [NAME], with [ORGANIZATION] and I am a resident of District ___.
County workers are the people who process our benefits, care for our loved ones, respond in times of crisis, and keep vital programs running every day. San Diego is one of the most expensive regions in the nation and all workers should be able to live and thrive in our region.
To recruit and retain the workforce San Diego needs, the County must offer a contract that:
All workers deserve wages and working conditions where they can thrive.
Submit an e-comment here to express support for all ISDF priorities
(500 character limit for e-comments)
Check out some sample comments below:
Good evening, Board of Supervisors. My name is [Name] with [organization]. I am also part of Invest in San Diego Families.
In this moment of federal disinvestment and crisis, we need our local leaders to put people first.
We thank you for funding:
The Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement,
Mobile Crisis Response Teams
And the Immigrant Legal Defense Program
[Add personal story. Why are these programs important to you?]
These are the kinds of decisions that tell people they matter. But, we must do more.
We urge you to:
Fully fund Innovative Adult Housing Services and Enhanced Housing Services, which help LGBTQIA+ folks find housing and prevent housing loss.
And pass a fair contract for County employees, represented by SEIU 221, who are the backbone of our County and the communities they serve
In a time of growing need and shrinking federal support, we need our County to step up. Lead with care, invest in people, and make San Diego a place where everyone can thrive.
Thank you
READ MORE ABOUT ISDF'S ISSUES
California’s Due Process Crisis: Access to Legal Counsel for Detained Immigrants
The California Coalition for Universal Representation
