UULM Office Opens
January 16th 2004
926 J Street, Suite 417
Sacramento, CA 95818

The UULM office in Sacramento officially opened for business, thanks, in large part, to a gracious invitation from Jericho for Justice to share their office space at a low cost. Jericho for Justice is an interfaith ministry focusing on public polices affecting low-income children and families.

The other neighbors in the building include organizations familiar to many UULM supporters:

• Friends Committee on Legislation
• MALDEF (Mexican-American Legal Defense and Education Fund)
• League of Women Voters
• Planning and Conservation League

...and many more.

UULM 2004 Legislative Priorities

The UU Legislative Ministry Board of Directors, at its meeting on February 9 and 10, determined three short-term issue priorities between now and November 2004.

As we have covenanted to affirm and promote:

• The inherent worth and dignity of every person We will advocate for equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals, couples, and families, including civil rights for gay marriages.
• Justice, equity and compassion in human relations We will advocate for a California budget that includes responsible revenue streams and cares for poor and vulnerable people in our communities.
• The use of the democratic process in society at large We endorse Proposition 56 on the March 2 ballot. We join a growing coalition of community, educational, religious, and good governance groups throughout the state. The proposition would reduce the number of legislators needed to pass the state budget from two thirds to 55%, thereby correcting a flaw in the budget process that now prevents a democratic majority from passing the budget.

In making these selections, the Board considered preliminary input received from issue ballots, visits to congregations, last year's District Assemblies, this year's ministers' retreats, and input from the California Interfaith Council that highlighted immediate opportunities for interfaith collaboration.

Many other issues also received strong support. We will address those as opportunities arise and resources permit. For example: At both Pacific Central and Pacific Southwest District Assemblies, we will be hosting educational workshops on "The Health Care Crisis: How Do We Respond as Faith Communities?"

UULM is committed to making social justice more worshipful, joyful, creative and fun, as part of our overall UU religious practice. We would love to be invited to lead a worship service or workshop at your congregation, and to engage you in this fall's "Listening Campaign."