(SACRAMENTO, CA, 4/29/2015) – This past Monday, April 27, over 450 Muslims of all ages from across California held more than 70 advocacy meetings with elected officials and their staff in Sacramento as part of the fourth-annual Muslim Day at the Capitol (MDAC) organized by the California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
SEE: CAIR-CA Sponsors Muslim Day at the Capitol 2015 San Mercury News
Participants sought the support of their legislators on three issues in efforts to promote just, equitable and progressive policies within the state:
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SB 178, a bill which will provide protection against warrant-less government access to electronic communication.
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SB 358 aims to place provisions to implement equal wages to employees, in-discriminant of sex.
- AB 42 would require California Community Colleges, CSUs, and the UCs, to freeze tuition and fees.
Participants heard from a number of speakers including California State Controller Betty Yee, Senator Richard Pan (CA-6), Assembly Member Kevin McCarthy (CA-7), and UC Student Regent Sadia Saifuddin.
The Muslim community’s size, diversity and civic engagement was the highlight of the day.
"Face-to-face meetings are the most effective way to communicate and build a relationship with our legislators," said CAIR-Sacramento Valley Executive Director Basim Elkarra. "Muslim Day at the Capitol aims to facilitate that relationship-building process and provides a platform to advocate for issues that positively shape our local communities.”
CAIR-CA is a chapter of CAIR, America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
CONTACT: CAIR-LA Communications Coordinator Ojaala Ahmad, oahmad@cair.com, 714.776.1847