1199 members joined others from SEIU 32BJ, SEIU Local 500, and SEIU Local 400 in Annapolis for the SEIU Maryland and DC State Council Legislative Action Day on February 27. Caregivers from across the state met with their State Delegates and Senators to discuss issues of concern to workers, patients, and families.Members asked their legislators to support bills to:* Raise the state minimum wage to $10.10 an hour by 2016;* Improve public safety and restore community trust in law enforcement officials by clarifying the parameters of state and local participation in the Federal Secure Communities Program; and* Improve the quality of academic jobs and higher education standards by giving community college employees the right to organize a union."Before, I didn't know that 1199 was so powerful. We really showed out and made a difference," said Tyra Scott, an 1199SEIU member and nursing assistant at Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital. The legislative action day marked the first time that Scott, a member of the union for 5 years and a new delegate, had participated in Union political action."I love to fight for equality, and for the things that we deserve," she said. "This is a fight for healthcare and benefits, and things that every American should have. I'm willing to fight for that."Caregivers closed out the day with a reception, and an address from SEIU-endorsed gubernatorial candidate, Lt. Governor Anthony Brown.- See more at: http://www.1199seiu.org/maryland_caregivers_speak_up_to_raise_the_wage_at_lobby_day#sthash.c50pHa8s.dpuf