Hey, Team CA.
Updates!
First, from someone in the CA climate movement just now:
I spoke with bill author Asm. Jacqui Irwin this weekend re AB 1999, the bill to stop the utility tax. The bill is NOT dead, contrary to well publicized misinformation put out late last week.
The bill might be pulled by the Speaker, so calls to Speaker Robert Rivas' office would be greatly appreciated. Call him at 916-319-2029. Just say: "I'm a Californian (with rooftop solar, or I plan to get rooftop solar, or I'm concerned about climate change -- add whatever's appropriate) and I want AB 1999 to get a fair vote. Over 300 nonprofit groups have signed this bill to stop working folk and seniors from getting hit with big utility bill increases."
Up for a second call? Call committee chair Cottie Petrie-Norris at 916-319-2073 with the same message.
Please continue to call Assembly Utilities & Energy Committee members as well if you live in their districts:
Lisa Calderon 916-319-2056
Chris Holden 916-319-2041
Miguel Santiago 916-319-2054
Pilar Schiavo 916-319-2040
Jim Wood 916-319-2002
Second, I just got this follow-up email from the orgs supporting Menjivar’s bill SB 1497, the Polluters Pay Climate Cost Recovery Act of 2024.
People who are phoning are getting a surprisingly rude response from the committee: That they don't take policy positions over the phone, and that comments need to be submitted 7 days in advance. This is RIDICULOUS because the bill wasn't passed out of EQ seven days ago.
SO the alternative is to call Senator Umberg's office, (916) 651-4034, and leave a version of THIS message:
My name is _____, and I live in ___________. I want Chair Umberg and members of the Judiciary Committee to know that I strongly support Senator Menjivar's SB 1497. The companies whose emissions caused the climate emergency are the only entities that can afford to pay for the ongoing damage. Government will never have enough money, so the polluters must pay! Sorry to bother you, but the Judiciary Committee will not accept my comment. Thank you!
THANK YOU ALL!
Jess
I just called Senator Umberg at the number you supplied and a live person answered. I did not get a chance to finish your suggested letter but he said he would pass it along. I was expecting a recording since it was after 5pm so I was a little surprised lol
I called all the members of utilities committee and only representative Wood’s office person found it necessary to be rude. Interesting