ROCHESTER — When Western Region President Steve Healy asked Catalina Guzman if she would like to serve as a CSEA federal advocate, she was unfamiliar with the role.
But after hearing what it involved, she didn’t hesitate to say yes.
“I was truly honored he asked me to take part in this new role,” Guzman said. “Being an advocate carries a big responsibility, but it’s an opportunity to have important conversations with members and colleagues, to explain the impact of legislation, and to bring their concerns forward so their voices are heard.”
Guzman is focused on fighting Medicaid cuts in the new federal budget. She knows the consequences will be felt deeply, not only by CSEA members, but also by the individuals they serve through state Office of People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) programs and by rural communities where a single hospital may be the only source of care.
“Cuts like these could mean job losses, longer wait times, and less access to essential services,” said Guzman. “An already understaffed and overworked workforce would be asked to do even more with less. At some point, it becomes irreparable.”
Guzman is also a strong supporter of the Transparency and Accountability of ICE Operations Act, which addresses the lack of oversight in immigration enforcement, and the Protect America’s Workforce Act, which would reinstate collective bargaining rights for federal employees.
As she puts it, the passage of the federal budget means she will be busy with sharing facts, educating communities and motivating members to act.
“What I look forward to most are the conversations,” Guzman said. “When people understand how legislation affects them personally, they start asking questions about how to make change. My motivation is preserving what we’ve fought for and fighting today to make tomorrow better, standing in solidarity with other unions and organizations to keep doing what’s right.”
— Sara McNicholas