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Allison Daley Olson, Legislative AdvocateNo Rest for the WearyThis week has been quiet at the Capitol because the California Legislature has gone home… for now. The Governor will undoubtedly call a special session where energy, education, taxes, and water reform will be discussed. Usually a recess from session, in the first year of a two year term, lasts from the middle of September to the first week in January. But we will definitely see some activity again very shortly. The Legislature left many things unresolved and the Governor is determined to fix that. Until that time, your CFRW Legislative Advocate will keep you posted! Tax Commission ReportThe Commission on the 21st Century Economy wrapped up its meetings this week, but it still does not have a formal plan for the tax-system overhaul. Instead, the members of the commission are submitting a package that, in their words, “should be considered a starting plan” and not a finished product. As mentioned in previous Capitol Updates, the package will most likely include a BNRT (Business Net Receipts Tax) that would be implemented on all businesses in California. This added tax on businesses would do more harm than good in our unstable state economy. The panel is also recommending that the Legislature consider a rainy-day fund to put on the 2010 ballot. These reforms, among others, will be considered at a special legislative session. Plenty of Prison ProblemsThis week CFRW took an OPPOSE on SBX3 18 (Ducheny, D-44). This bill requires freeing 17,000 inmates and changes many felonies to misdemeanors. Although the bill already passed the Senate and the Assembly, it is now waiting for action by the Governor. But the Governor essentially has his hands tied; three federal judges ordered California to reduce the prison inmate population by 40,000. CFRW still thought it was important to express opposition towards a plan that would put our families at risk. The Governor will be submitting a plan to the judges by midnight tonight that will include this bill, among others. But that will not be the end of this process. In all likelihood, the federal judges will not approve of the state-submitted plan and instead impose their own regulations. This will allow our state to appeal to the Supreme Court under the Prison Litigation Reform Act and give California more time to construct a better plan that keeps our citizens safe. Healthcare Reform RageWith the healthcare battle raging on, it seems like Congressional Democrats are completely ignoring their Republican counterparts. The Washington Post claims the fault lies entirely in Republican hands, stating, “Few Republicans this side of Maine seem interested in voting for any Democratic version of the legislation.” However, what The Post, as well as others, disregard is the fact that not one GOP amendment has been passed out of committee. Here are a few Republican amendments from California Congressmen that were killed: -Rep. Herger (R, CA-2): An amendment forbidding the federal government from comparing the effectiveness of health care treatments and then only making one type of treatment available. -Rep. McClintock (R, CA-4): An amendment that ensures healthcare legislation is deficit neutral before taking effect. -Rep. Hunter (R, CA-52): An amendment that would make it possible for businesses to release themselves from the employer mandated healthcare if they make claims, certified by the Secretary of the Treasury, that the financial hardships of the mandate would force them to lay off workers, prevent them from hiring new staff, or force them to cut salaries. -Rep. McKeon (R, CA-25): An amendment that would allow small businesses to join in with other small businesses to buy healthcare at a more affordable cost. Our Republicans in Congress are trying to work with Democrats, only to be shot down. Next time you hear that the Republicans are inhibiting bipartisan efforts, you know that simply is not true! Nutty News: Acorn InvestigationIn case you missed it, the news this week has been all about the transgressions of ACORN. ACORN is a controversial organization that uses questionable practices nation-wide to register voters as Democrats, especially in low-income areas. This is not the first time ACORN has made headlines. During last year’s election cycle, ACORN was involved in voter fraud cases across the country. In their most recent controversy, two conservative activists expose ACORN employees offering advice to the undercover activists on setting up brothels and smuggling under-aged girls from El Salvador into the US for prostitution. The latest tapes involved ACORN employees from San Bernardino and San Diego. Upon hearing this, the Governor sent a memo to Attorney General Jerry Brown asking him to “launch a full investigation into ACORN activities in California.” Hopefully the Attorney General will see this as a priority and take action immediately. Want More HR 3200 Info?Fairbanks RWF prepared a spectacular booklet of information about the proposed health care reform that would serve as a valuable tool for your use in talking to your friends and neighbors, and in preparation for attendance at townhall meetings. If you would like a personal copy, please email the advocacy office and we will email a pdf copy to you. Tracking LegislationAlthough we are unable to give our members access to our web-based bill tracking service, there is a way you can find and monitor California legislation. You can access that information on the internet by going to the Legislature Home Page and completing the information on the right side by either indicating the bill number, the author, or key words. You can then subscribe to an email update and you will be notified when there is action on legislation of interest to you. Recent Legislative Updates
2009-09-18 Disclaimer: The Capitol Update is an activity of the CFRW Advocate's Office. The update is for information only. CFRW official positions on legislation are stated immediately preceding the stated legislation or immediately following the stated legislation in this report. This update is sent to members of the CFRW as a benefit of membership and to select other subscribers. If you are a member of the CFRW and wish to unsubscribe from this publication, please reply to this email with your name, club name and the word, unsubscribe in the subject of the email. If you are not a member of CFRW and do not wish to continue receiving this update, please reply to this email with the word unsubscribe in the subject of the email. |
