Democratic State Senator Leland Yee has been forced out of a key leadership position in the State Senate because he refused to support cuts in IHSS and other programs for low-income Californians. Senator Yee was removed from his position by Senate President pro Tem  Darrell Steinberg (also a Democrat) because of his refusal to support the cuts in education, social services and health care contained in the 2011 State Budget passed by the Legislature earlier this month.

In a letter to Steinberg,  Yee said: “…I am more than willing to relinquish this title (Assistant President pro tem) if that is the price for voting my conscience on the state budget and standing up against severe cuts….It is more important that I represent (the constituents I serve) in the Legislature and fight to protect schools, the elderly, and working families…..”

In response to the announcement,  UDW Executive Director Doug Moore said: “It is a sad day when a legislator with the courage to fight for his principles is punished for it by those who should have the same principles.  We commend Senator Yee for his long-standing commitment to the people of California, and especially for his unwavering support of the IHSS program.”

Senator Yee has a 100 percent lifetime voting record with UDW and AFSCME.

See Senator Yee’s letter to Steinberg

Related Budget News:

• Some Major Victories for UDW in Budget Battle
• CDCAN Report: Details On In-Home Supportive Services Reductions