Chavez holiday bill wins approval from Key CA senate panel

On a vote of 23-0, the Senate approved and sent to the Assembly legislation establishing a paid state holiday on Cesar Chavez’s birthday. Senate Bill 984, by state Sen. Richard Polanco (D-Los Angeles), moved closer to becoming the first paid state holiday in the country recognizing a Mexican American and a labor leader. Chavez founded the United Farm Workers in 1962.

"This vote sends a message that the California Senate recognizes and values the leadership, personal sacrifice and commitment to non-violence that defined the life of Cesar Chavez," said Sen. Polanco, the bill’s author. He called Chavez "a national hero" for whom the holiday is "long overdue."

"This is a history making day in our crusade to honor a great leader who inspired millions to organize for workers rights, a safe food supply and equality for Latinos and all racial minorities," said Evelina Alarcon, state coordinator of the holiday drive as she witnessed the vote on the Senate floor. "The Senate responded to the thousands of voices in our state who spoke up for Cesar Chavez and this holiday."

The campaign has received support from more than 50,000 Californians who signed petitions and wrote letters. Rallies, resolutions from local elected officials and news events held across the state were key to the winning vote in the Senate, she said.

Rather than vote "no," all Republicans senators didn’t vote or were absent during the roll call on SB 984, reflecting pressure organized by the holiday campaign, according to Alarcon. Other observers theorized that GOP leaders were concerned that the party not continue to be seen as anti-Latino in light of its support for divisive measures such as Propositions 187 and 209, which cracked down on immigrants and banned affirmative action, respectively.

SB 984 now moves to the lower house where it could reach the Assembly floor within a few months. Speaker of the Assembly Antonio Villaraigosa, who was on the floor of the Senate when the vote on the holiday bill took place, told reporters that SB 984 will "fly through" the Assembly.

The holiday for Cesar Chavez must still win the support of Democratic Gov. Gray Davis before it can become law. So far the governor has not taken a stand on the proposal.

Also present was Ken Davis, representing the NAACP, a well as other labor and community leaders who back the Chavez holiday. Among supporters of the campaign are the NAACP, the California Labor Federation, League of United Latin American Citizens and the California State Employees Association/SEIU Local 1000, representing more than 80,000 state workers.