Los Angeles – Actors’ Equity Association, the labor union representing more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers in live theatre, congratulates Adam Schiff on his primary victory for the open California seat in the United States Senate. Equity endorsed Schiff in January.
“Adam Schiff has been a proven ally of the arts in Congress, and he’ll be a welcome addition to the Senate,” said Al Vincent Jr., executive director of Actors’ Equity Association. “Rep. Schiff demonstrates his belief in the economic and cultural value of the arts in both word and deed. Equity is proud to have endorsed him. Full steam ahead to the general election this November.”
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Rep. Schiff played a critical role in adding provisions to the CARES Act that ensured "mixed earners" who had both W-2 and 1099 income would be eligible for an additional $100 a week in federally-funded unemployment benefits – which could add up to as much as $7,900 in additional benefits. Previously, arts workers with mixed incomes were unable to access the full pandemic support intended by Congress.
Schiff has also been an early cosponsor of the bipartisan Performing Artist Tax Party Act, which would finally restore tax fairness for entertainment workers by allowing the deduction of essential work expenses.
Equity’s federal public policy priorities include tax fairness, defending and protecting the right to collectively bargain, a prevailing wage in the arts, racial justice, a strong minimum wage, stronger federal and state arts funding, gun violence prevention, universal federal health care and LGBTQ non-discrimination protections.
ACTORS' EQUITY ASSOCIATION, founded in 1913, is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers. Equity endeavors to advance the careers of its members by negotiating wages, improving working conditions and providing a wide range of benefits (health and pension included). Member: AFL-CIO, FIA. www.actorsequity.org #EquityWorks
March 6, 2024
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