August 30, 2010 What has CCRA done for me lately? Carolyn J. Dasher, CCRA President August 25, 2010
The California budget is not yet signed. We are not out of the woods. And, unfortunately, there’s no full moon to see our enemies coming! If you think for one minute that we can keep our guard down, think again. We must all stay proactive in our quest for educating those around us about our profession and how we maintain the integrity of the record. CCRA's 2010 Centennial Convention is a celebration of the past, present, and the future of court reporting! So bring your friends and your memories, too, we want to celebrate this party with you. Saturday evening will feature a Mardi Gras extravaganza! We have a very exciting event planned at the Capitol where you can hone your lobbying and legislative skills or sit back and watch our legislative process in action. Earn up to 1.90 CEUs and see the industry's premier vendors in the exhibit hall. Enjoy the many networking sessions and enjoy learning about the past, present and future of the court reporting profession. The 2010 CCRA Centennial Convention is a great value. Conference registration includes three receptions, two breakfasts, two lunches and one dinner. You won't want to miss these meals as you will receive CEUs for participating. When you're not attending classes you are within walking distance of the city's best shopping and restaurants. Treat yourself to all of the historic charm that Sacramento has to offer. CCRA President's Message
California Court Reporters Association values your membership.
Your membership makes it possible for CCRA to employ an experienced lobbyist who tracks legislation, proposes legislation, and advocates on behalf of our profession.
CCRA leadership works hard meeting and discussing our profession and the technological advances we offer.
Last October, CCRA leadership attended a meeting with the Department of Finance and CCRA hired a reputable firm, Justice Served, to formulate a report based on questions the Department of Finance asked.
In December of last year, CCRA submitted the report to the Department of Finance, as well as other legislative committees, comparing the costs of a DR courtroom with a live court reporter. When Governor Schwarzenegger announced his 2010 budget, DR was not included!
In January of this year, CCRA formulated legislation, Senate Bill 1181, allowing pro per litigants to utilize the Transcript Reimbursement Fund.
In February of this year, CCRA was successful in having Senator Cedillo (Los Angeles) author SB 1181.
CCRA worked hard getting figures and information together to help push this bill through.
In May, the budget was still not signed. The Governor submitted his May budget revision, asking, once again, to eliminate court reporters. CCRA leadership was up in Sacramento in May talking to the appropriate legislative consultants.
In May of this year, CCRA leadership attended an event for Fiona Ma, Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore. We are forging new relationships in the Capitol.
Your CCRA lobbyist has worked hard all summer vigilantly watching the legislature as they go through the budget process.
CCRA leadership spoke with appropriate legislative consultants regarding SB 1181. Senate Bill 1181 has had only aye votes in both the Senate and the Assembly. We wait to see if our Governor will sign this bill that helps pro per litigants.
CCRA is in the frontline of the DR battle – not once, not once in a while – but every time. CCRA is the premiere association that protects and promotes your profession – advocating your technological role in the judicial field. CCRA has submitted – and has gotten passed - more legislation than any other association.
CCRA will always fight those issues that negatively impact our profession.California State Budget Update
Today, the Governor, in a speech to the Chamber of Commerce in Goleta, Santa Clara Valley, once again lashed out at court reporters:
"We have court reporters. That's old fashioned. We don't need a court reporter anymore that is typing away. We have now the cameras, we have the recording devices, we have everything. But because labor insists on keeping them even though we don't need them, it costs us hundreds of millions of dollars every year extra."
CCRA is committed to protecting and preserving the profession of court reporting. The CCRA Board is working right now on a strategy to minimize the impact of our Governor’s words. How sad that the very instrument of our profession – words – can be used against us!
Freelances and Officials alike are affected by the economy and the decisions of the legislature. Please stay tuned for any call to action as we wait for the California budget to be agreed on and signed.
What can you do? Continue to learn about the technology available to court reporters by attending classes; belong to your local and state associations; attend association meetings and learn about what’s happening in your state, and make sure CCRA has your contact information so you are available to help.
CCRA's 2010 Centennial Convention
Register now!
