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Working Partnerships

Grassroots organizing & public policy innovation for a just economy

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Vibrant Democracy

We’ll Keep Showing Up—for Each Other and Our Communities

A Message From Maria Noel Fernandez, Executive Director, Working Partnerships USA

Like many of you, we’re processing the reality of what Donald Trump’s reelection means for ourselves and our communities. The thought of a more emboldened Trump administration, especially one aimed at dismantling our hard-won protections and freedoms, is devastating for immigrants, for Black communities, especially Black women, for workers, for women and transgender people, and for our planet. 

As you consider what it will take to protect those most vulnerable — in our community, our organization, even our own families — know that you’re not alone. We’re in this together, ready to support each other through what comes next and ready to continue our fight for working families, a just economy and a vibrant democracy in Santa Clara County and California.

Corporate billionaires, bigots and authoritarian bullies poured hundreds of millions into this election, attacking our progress and blocking solutions to our most pressing challenges. They used fear and racism to defeat measures that would have improved the lives of working families. And now they are already painting a narrative that blames our values of inclusion and caring for one another as the problem — not their greed or hunger for power. 

We will not let them win. We are no strangers to taking on powerful corporate adversaries and in 2016, we rose to protect one another. This time will be no different. Once again we will resist by building power, solidarity and sanctuary. 

We will channel our fear into powerful action, not let it paralyze us. We will take care of ourselves and remember that looking after something beyond yourself can be a key part of self-care.  We are all connected, each of us part of a larger world that, though frayed and worn, is being repaired and strengthened every day.

Together, we will organize for a future that serves everyone in Santa Clara County—regardless of skin color, gender, religion, occupation, or zip code. We will deepen our connections, expand our outreach, and hold our leaders accountable to a future where no one is left behind. We will continue to strengthen our movement through statewide coalitions like We Are California, ensuring that our united power can defend against attacks on our communities and the values we practice.

Sign our pledge for solidarity and action to let us know you’re ready to continue working side by side as neighbors, building a community where everyone can thrive.

Defending Our Future: A Pledge for Solidarity and Action

We pledge to hold the line for our communities and our values and fight shoulder-to-shoulder to fiercely protect the hard-won rights of immigrants, workers, Black and Brown communities, women, and LGBTQ+ people.

We will confront corporate greed and authoritarianism to build a future that centers justice, inclusion, and resilience, and we’ll defend the progress we’ve achieved in health equity, housing, workers’ rights, and environmental justice. We will rise above hate and division, and unite across every line for a future of dignity, compassion, and opportunity.

Together, we’re creating networks of safety and solidarity so that our communities are sanctuaries of belonging, and we’ll push for a bold vision that ensures quality jobs, affordable housing, healthcare, climate justice, and a democracy that serves everyone in Santa Clara County—no exceptions, no one left behind.

Victory: California Supreme Court Strikes Down “Taxpayer Deception Act” Initiative

Court decision safeguards crucial funding and upholds voter power against corporate influence

This morning, the California Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision ruling the “Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act” initiative cannot be included on the November 2024 ballot.  

Working Partnerships USA Executive Director, Maria Noel Fernandez, emphasizes, “In striking down the unconstitutional Taxpayer Deception Act, the California Supreme Court has boldly confronted corporate influence and defended our communities. This victory not only preserves billions in critical funding for schools, reproductive healthcare, and paid family leave but also underscores the power of voters in our state. We know that the same corporate interests aligned on this measure are also moving to roll back other wins — including life-changing criminal justice reform and critical environmental and health regulations. We stand alongside our diverse local coalition of elected representatives, community and labor leaders, workers and residents of Santa Clara County, as well as our legislative champions and regional partners, ready to protect our progress and defend against any future assaults on our safety and well-being, and democratic principles.”

The court’s decision was based on recognizing that the “Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act” initiative posed a serious threat to our community’s ability to fund essential services without unnecessary hurdles. By requiring voter approval for tax increases already approved by elected officials, this measure would have tied the hands of local leaders in responding to our community’s needs promptly. The court rightly saw this as a major overhaul (a revision) of our state’s governance structure rather than a simple tweak (an amendment). They emphasized the importance of following the strict procedures outlined in Article XVIII of the California Constitution for making such profound changes. This ensures that any proposals with significant implications for governance undergo thorough scrutiny and respect the democratic processes designed to protect the interests of all Californians.

This is a huge victory against a handful of big real estate developers and corporations who want to illegally change our Constitution and shift taxes to working people so they can continue to profit and enrich themselves. We’re grateful for our fierce coalition of community and labor leaders, local city and county representatives and residents who have been advocating against this deceptive and unconstitutional measure alongside us.