Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1535197
16 SAG-AFTRA | Spring 2025 | sagaftra.org A Letter from the Secretary-Treasurer Dear Member, S pring is a time of rebirth, occasional hayfever and reevaluation. Many are understandably alarmed by economic uncertainty — both globally and within the entertainment industry. Volatility has forced us to take a hard look at our personal finances and grapple with what these shifts mean for our careers. As your secretary-treasurer, I take SAG-AFTRA members' economic solvency seriously. We must fight to keep our industry flourishing at home. Moreover, we must ensure our union is addressing members' financial concerns while preserving and expanding employment opportunities. Working closely with SAG-AFTRA Chief Financial Officer Arianna Ozzanto, we've been making necessary adjustments so resources serve our members in the most effective way possible. I'm pleased to report SAG-AFTRA is tracking higher in revenue and lower in expenses than expected. At the National Board meeting in March, the Board unanimously agreed to expand the Senior Dues Waiver and approve a dues extension for eligible members experiencing hardship from the ongoing video games strike. Our investment portfolio is diversified enough to have held steady during the first quarter market roller coaster. In my role as co-chair of Government Affairs and Public Policy, I've remained in contact with many lawmaking allies, communicating constantly with L.A. Mayor Karen Bass and Gov. Newsom's offices as they shepherd along initiatives to bolster our industry. Dashing from Capitol to Capitol, I've lobbied for SAG-AFTRA-supported public policy. During a whirlwind trip to D.C. as a power trio, EVP Linda Powell, National Board member Lisa Ann Walter and I crisscrossed the halls of Congress in heels to meet with legislators rallying support for the NO FAKES Act. In Sacramento, I was able to deliver testimony in support of the A.I. Copyright Transparency Act, introduced by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan. Like the NO FAKES Act, this is another bill to protect human artistry and intellectual property. These bills will help enshrine into law what we were able to achieve in our contract. Members, please call your reps and let them know you support commonsense A.I. legislation. If you're a performer outside of California, do know that our union is supporting A.I. bills and production incentives in other states, including New York, Nevada, Montana, Hawaii and Oregon. Members across the country deserve to be part of a thriving industry that brings jobs and income to local economies. Because it's essential SAG-AFTRA continue supporting our labor siblings, I was proud to deliver keynote speeches at California Labor Federation's Union Women Stronger Together conference and the Grocery Workers Rising march and rally. In unity, we can build a better future. Speaking of building, it has now been nearly five months since the devastating Southern California fires. Now that the smoke has cleared, the reconstruction has begun. Your union has made a sizable donation to the Disaster Relief Fund and continues offering resources to impacted members. As co-chairs of the L.A. Mental Health Subcommittee, Sean Astin and I immediately brought together a "Grief Council" — warriors of mental health wellness in a healing evening on Zoom. We hear the need. We're answering the call. More events are planned on your behalf. Check our website for spring and summer opportunities for mental health guidance and an in-person health fair. See you there! I'm incredibly grateful for all who will use this spring season to engage with your union. Whether it's participating in the wages and working conditions process, voting on contract ratification or asking questions during member meetings, your voice shapes SAG-AFTRA. Thank you. Always putting the membership first, Joely Fisher J O E LY F I S H E R "As your secretary-treasurer, I take SAG-AFTRA members' economic solvency seriously. We must fight to keep our industry flourishing at home."