Local 44 News

MPI is aware of the Anthem Blue Cross data breach and is working closely with Anthem Blue Cross to identify if MPI Participants have been impacted.

At this time there is NO information available from MPI or Anthem as to whether your specific information has been impacted. Anthem has provided the following links and phone number to call for general information regarding the breach:

http://www.AnthemFacts.com

http://www.AnthemFacts.com/faq

Phone: 1-877-263-7995

MPI will provide additional information as it becomes available. Please continue to check the MPI website for the most up-to-date information.

Recently, a letter was sent from MPI to all enrolled members. Below is the official explanation of the letter from MPI.

Every 5 years the Pension and IAP plans have to be submitted to IRS for a “determination letter” confirming their tax-exempt status. Without tax exempt status, participants would be taxed on the contributions their employers make to the plans. The IRS requires that this notice be sent to all participants when MPI makes the application to IRS. NO MEMBER ACTION IS NECESSARY, THIS IS A FEDERAL REQUIRED NOTICFICATION.

Here is the pdf document of the official IATSE statement regarding Sony’s actions in response to this attack.

Official IATSE Statement

The following is the list of politicians officially endorsed by the AFL-CIO.
________________________________________
CALIFORNIA
     
Governor    Jerry Brown (D)
Lieutenant Governor    Gavin Newsom (D)
Attorney General    Kamala Harris (D)
Secretary of State    Alex Padilla (D)*
Controller    John A. Perez (D)*
Treasurer    John Chiang (D)*
Superintendent of Public Instruction    Tom Torlakson (D)
Insurance Commissioner    Dave Jones (D)
U.S. Representative District 1    Heidi Hall (D)+
U.S. Representative District 2    Jared Huffman (D)
U.S. Representative District 3    John Garamendi (D)
U.S. Representative District 5    Mike Thompson (D)
U.S. Representative District 6    Doris Matsui (D)
U.S. Representative District 7    Ami Bera (D)
U.S. Representative District 8    Paul Cook (R)
U.S. Representative District 9    Jerry McNerney (D)
U.S. Representative District 10    Michael Eggman (D)+
U.S. Representative District 11    Mark DeSaulnier (D)*
U.S. Representative District 12    Nancy Pelosi (D)
U.S. Representative District 13    Barbara Lee (D)
U.S. Representative District 14    Jackie Speier (D)
U.S. Representative District 15    Eric Swalwell (D)
U.S. Representative District 16    Jim Costa (D)
U.S. Representative District 17    Mike Honda (D)
U.S. Representative District 18    Anna Eshoo (D)
U.S. Representative District 19    Zoe Lofgren (D)
U.S. Representative District 20    Sam Farr (D)
U.S. Representative District 21    Amanda Renteria (D)+
U.S. Representative District 22    Suzanna Aguilera-Marrero (D)+
U.S. Representative District 24    Lois Capps (D)
U.S. Representative District 25    Lee Rogers (D)*
U.S. Representative District 26    Julia Browley (D)
U.S. Representative District 27    Judy Chu (D)
U.S. Representative District 28    Adam Schiff (D)
U.S. Representative District 29    Tony Cardenas (D)
U.S. Representative District 30    Brad Sherman (D)
U.S. Representative District 31    Pete Aguilar (D)*
U.S. Representative District 32    Grace Napolitano (D)
U.S. Representative District 33    Ted Lieu (D)*
U.S. Representative District 34    Xavier Becerra (D)
U.S. Representative District 35    Norma Torres (D)*
U.S. Representative District 36    Raul Ruiz (D)
U.S. Representative District 37    Karen Bass (D)
U.S. Representative District 38    Linda Sanchez (D)
U.S. Representative District 39    Peter Anderson (D)+
U.S. Representative District 40    Lucille Roybal-Allard (D)
U.S. Representative District 41    Mark Takano (D)
U.S. Representative District 42    Tim Sheridan (D)+
U.S. Representative District 43    Maxine Waters (D)
U.S. Representative District 44    Janice Hahn (D)
U.S. Representative District 45    Drew Leavens (D)*
U.S. Representative District 46    Loretta Sanchez (D)
U.S. Representative District 47    Alan Lowenthal (D)
U.S. Representative District 48    Suzanne Savary (D)+
U.S. Representative District 49    Dave Peiser (D)+
U.S. Representative District 50    James Kimber (D)+
U.S. Representative District 51    Juan Vargas (D)
U.S. Representative District 52    Scott Peters (D)

When the courageous crew of “Shahs of Sunset” went on strike to create more union jobs in reality TV, Bravo Media, an NBCUniversal company, told them to take a hike. Instead, we’re going to take a stand!

Firing strikers is against the law. To retaliate against employees for exercising their right to organize isn’t just illegal; it’s outrageous!

Join the IATSE for a Rally of Solidarity!
Date: Tuesday, 10/7/2014
Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Place: South Weddington Park
10600 Valleyheart Drive, Studio City, CA

We will hold our rally in the easternmost corner of the park, across the street from Universal Gate 2. Some parking is available at South Weddington Park.

Consider taking the Metro or carpooling! Lunch will be served.

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On Thursday, September 18th, in an event that included Governor Brown, state and local politicians, and members of the Hollywood Backlot Locals, AB-1839 was signed into law.  

Click here to watch the myFOXla.com coverage of the event.

It is our extreme pleasure to announce that Governor Brown and leaders of the California Legislature have struck a deal to approve AB 1839, the California Film and Television tax credit bill.

The agreement increases the tax credit to $330 million per year for five years. More than tripling our current program and adding an additional year. The bill also includes some very important changes that will have a tremendous impact on production and job creation in California. The $75 Million budget cap has been removed which will promote big-budget film production in California. The new inclusion of Network Television will revive in-state production of one-hour dramatic programs. These two clauses alone will show rapid results for our membership by providing employment options that we have not enjoyed for many years.

This has been a long and hard fought battle. Every step along the way has been worthwhile as we finally can rejoice in victory. We want to thank all of you who have helped throughout this tremendous endeavor. Our combined strength and our united voices have brought us to this triumphant day.

Congratulations to us all!

Best,

Ed Brown
Business Agent
IATSE Local 44

Anthony Pawluc
Secretary-Treasurer
IATSE Local 44

The California State Senate Appropriations Committee has unanimously approved AB1839 by a 5-0 vote. The amended bill will increase the California State tax credit to $400 million per year. The current tax incentives program is $100 million per year. The increase places California more competitively with incentives offered by other states including New York, Louisiana, Georgia, and more.

Next, the amended bill goes to the full Senate floor next week. Then back to the Assembly for concurrence. Before finally being presented to the Governor for signature.

Update June 25
In the wake of Monday's  record 497 applications for the current CA film and TV tax credit program, 117 more than last year, the CA Senate's Governance and Finance Committee has voted 6-0 in favor of the Film and Television Job Creation and Retention Act (formerly AB 1839) that expands the current program.

The act now moves to the Senate's Appropriation Committee.

Click here to read the full coverage article by Dominic Patten on Deadline.com

We are very pleased to announce that after unanimous endorsement by three Assembly Committees, the California State Assembly approved the California Film Incentive bill, AB 1839, by a unanimous vote of 62-0.! 

We want to thank everyone who helped in this effort and remind you all that we are not done. While we collectively celebrate this victory, we must also make our preparations for the next leg of the race.  Now, AB 1839 is on its way to the State Senate and after that, to the Governor’s Office. This process will not be a cakewalk.  There are Senators who still oppose such legislation. We will need to increase our efforts.  

Remember, our goal is to get California’s incentive programs competitive with those offered by other states and bring our jobs back to California.

Again, thank you all!

Ed Brown - Anthony Pawluc
IATSE Local 44

SDSA Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, Donald Elmblad, speaks about an amazing career in film and television.

To watch the SDSA video of Donald Elmglad click here to go to the setdecorators.org website.