LAUSD employees advocate for summer savings account

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Los Angeles Unified School District employees say when school lets out every summer, they're out of work and without a paycheck.

They represent more than 25,000 classified employees whose jobs range from preparing food for students to being teacher aides. They say it's tough to make ends meet during the three months they're not working.

"It's very tight. At times I have to scramble around to figure out how to get dinner, how to get breakfast, lunch, three meals a day," said Jenefer Jaramillo.

"I survive during the summertime to get my medication in my system by dumpster diving," said Kathleen Hamm.

They, along with others, are backing state Rep. Raul Bocanegra's bill that would allow public employees statewide to contribute to a savings account. For every dollar the employee puts in, the state would contribute $2.

LAUSD classified employees are not eligible for unemployment benefits. The school board unanimously agreed to back AB 621.

"I think there's still concern that this won't fully cover all of their needs and all of their families needs," school board member Kelly Gonez said.

The bill is on Gov. Jerry Brown's desk. If Brown signs AB 621, classified employees can contribute to a savings account beginning in the fall of 2018 and start collecting those benefits in the summer of 2019.