Susan Talamantes Eggman

The "Climate Corporate Accountability Act" establishes mandatory reporting of greenhouse (GHG) emissions for large businesses in California. The bill requires companies to report both their direct and indirect emissions as well as publicize their targets and measures to reduce emissions., Oppose is the Limited Government Position as not only does this bill drive up costs by forcing companies to track their GHG emissions, but such publication may expose certain companies to harassment. Stringent cuts in GHG emissions ultimately drive up consumer costs, and harm the competitiveness of the state's business sector.

Further Driving Up Business Costs by Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Corporations

This bill requires pharmacists to complete at least one hour of continuing education in a "cultural competency course" every two years. The course must focus on individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ and must also "contain elements demonstrating how sexual identity is directly impacted through intersectionality." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill is largely designed to enrich entities and individuals who provide such "cultural competency services". Instead of this politically-motivated government mandate, pharmacists should be free to select the trainings which will provide them the greatest value and information to serve their patients.

Forcing Pharmacists to Undergo an Hour "Cultural Competency" Course Every 2 Years Focused on LGBTQ+ Individuals.

This bill establishes the "Excluded Workers Pilot Program" which provides illegal immigrants with up to 20 weeks of unemployment benefits, at an amount of $300 per week. The bill is estimated to cost state taxpayers $237 million to build out and over $215 million in annual benefit payouts. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as providing individuals who entered the country unlawfully to taxpayer funded welfare benefits merely incentivizes additional illegal immigration. While reforms are needed to the U.S. immigration system to increase the number of skilled individuals who may enter and work in our country, measures such as this undermine reform efforts and plunge taxpayers into further debt.

Forcing Taxpayers to Spend Hundreds of Millions Annually to Provide Unemployment Benefits to Illegal Immigrants.

This bill creates a new "Water Rate Assistance Program" which would require taxpayers to subsidize the water and wastewater utility bills of certain individuals based on income. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as further growing the size and scope of the government welfare state disincentivizes advancement and traps individuals into government dependency and poverty. The private sector, through charitable initiatives, is best equipped to help support those in need and work to make them self-sufficient.

Growing Government Dependency by Providing "Water Rate Assistance" to Certain Utility Payers based on Income.

This bill provides a $1,000 refundable tax credit to single-filers earning up to $40,000, and joint-filers earning up to $60,000, who do not own or purchase a car. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as lawmakers should not use the power of government to centrally plan the lives of individuals and wage war against the internal combustion engine. Furthermore, growing the size and scope of the government welfare state disincentivizes advancement and traps individuals into government dependency and poverty.

Growing Government Dependency by Providing $1,000 to Income-Eligible Individuals without Automobiles.

This bill authorizes the State Air Resources Board every three years to review and increase the stringency of the state's cap-and-trade program for greenhouse gases. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the state's cap-and-trade program already places enormous unnecessary costs on businesses. This measure will further worsen the situation by allowing unaccountable government employees within ARB to inflict even greater harm to the state's business climate.

Threatening Businesses with Higher Costs by Increasing the Stringency of the State's Cap-and-Trade Program.

This bill imposes a series of new restrictions on the governing practices of Home Owners Associations (HOAs) and other planned communities.  For example, the bill places new regulations on HOAs concerning the ability of owners to rent their units as well as how issues are discussed on social media platforms. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is not the role of government to dictate the private contractual agreements and operations of HOAs. HOAs serve as free-market alternatives to government zoning and land use standards, as individuals can choose the restrictiveness of the community they wish to join or select to live on property outside the governance of an HOA.

Infringing Private Contracting Rights through Government Overreach into the Governance Practices of Private Condominium Associations

This bill establishes the "California Coordinated Neighborhood and Community Services Grant Program" which provides state grants to certain organizations in federal "Promise Neighborhoods". Many of these groups have politically-motivated agendas, such as bill sponsor "StriveTogether" which promotes on its website how its network member led the passage of a ballot measure which hiked property taxes in Colorado to increase school funding. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as taxpayer funds should not be utilized to advance political initiatives. The private sector (through charitable endeavors) is best equipped to direct funding to the groups and initiatives which are most needed and beneficial to communities.

Expanding Cronyism and Unnecessary Spending by Providing Grants to Government-Favored Community Groups with Politically Driven Agendas.

This bill requires the boards of the Public Employees' Retirement System and the State Teachers' Retirement System to divest of their holdings in all fossil fuel companies by July 1, 2030. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill potentially sacrifices higher investment returns for taxpayers in order to advance a politicized environmental agenda. All state investments should be conducted in a manner to provide taxpayers with the greatest returns based on risk, and not be based on politicized Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) principles.

Harming Taxpayers and Reducing Investment Returns within the Public Employee Pension System by Mandating Divestment from Fossil Fuel Companies.

This bill prohibits most health insurance plans, except for a specialized health care service plan contract, from requiring any cost sharing for abortion, such as a deductible, coinsurance, or copayment. The bill also applies to Medi-Cal, the state's Medicaid program. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as each and every health insurance mandate or price control on co-payments prevents an individual from selecting a plan with just basic or customized coverages to fit their specific needs. As a result, health insurers are forced to only offer costly plans loaded with coverages that most individuals do not need. This can result in lower-income or younger individuals choosing to purchase no insurance plan at all due to the high cost.

Increasing Health Insurance Premiums by Mandating Policies Provide Abortion Services Without any Co-Pay or Deductible.

This bill requires the California Health and Human Services Agency to establish a website providing various abortion related information.  Such information includes the locations of abortion providers, available practical support services like airfare, lodging, meals, etc., and payment support resources. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is not the role of government to promote abortion and force payment from taxpayers to advance abortion (many of whom may have strong religious objections). All abortions are tragedies and every child deserves the right to life.

Promoting Abortion through the Creation of a State Website to Provide Information on Abortion Providers and How to Obtain Support Services Such as Airfare, Meals and Lodging.

This bill expands legal aid eligibility under the Sargent Civil Counsel Act to now include individuals who may be residing in the country unlawfully. Taxpayer funded aid that is provided under this act includes certain civil, housing-related, guardianships, and domestic violence related matters.  Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is not the role of government to guarantee taxpayer-funded legal counsel in civil matters - especially for individuals who are residing in the country illegally. Measures such as this merely further incentive illegal immigration.

Expanding Taxpayer-Funded Legal Aid Programs to Illegal Immigrants.

The "Small Business Procurement and Contract Act" establishes a 25% small business target for infrastructure contracts issued through the $14 billion the state received under the Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as all government contracting and procurement decisions should be based strictly on factors relating to cost and quality. Contracting quotas and mandates such as this bill merely restrict competition and unnecessarily drive-up taxpayer costs, while also potentially reducing project quality and timeliness.

Hiking Taxpayer Costs through an Additional Small Business Procurement Mandate for Infrastructure Projects.

This bill repeals the requirement that the state preserve all applications for mail ballots for 22 months following the date of federal elections, and 6 months from the date of state and local elections. Additionally, election officials are now required to also send a "second ballot" via mail to a "voter representative" upon written request by a voter. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill promotes ballot harvesting as well as weakens safeguards to prevent voter fraud.   Such safeguards against fraud are critical to ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic.

Weakening Election Integrity by Ending the Preservation of Vote by Mail Applications and Expanding Recipients of "Second" Mailed Ballots.

Beginning in 2024, this bill requires all children to attend kindergarten prior to entering first grade, which was previously optional. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill removes decision making from parents, who are best equipped to make decisions regarding their child's education.

Weakening Parental Rights by Mandating Kindergarten Attendance for All Children.

The "Platform Accountability and Transparency Act" requires social media to publicly disclose how their algorithms push information. This includes statistics on items of content that violated their platform policies and were recommended or amplified through their algorithms.  According to the bill's sponsor, the measure is needed to bring transparency to medical disinformation, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this government overreach into the private sector places significant financial and regulatory costs onto the tech industry, which is ultimately passed down to consumers.  Except in cases of fraud or criminal activity, industries are best governed through free market principles whereby consumers hold private companies accountable.

Expanding the Regulatory State by Placing Costly New Reporting Mandates on Social Media Companies Concerning Content Policy Violations

This bill bans the use of carbon dioxide fluid (collected through carbon capture technologies) from being utilized in oil extraction. This fluid serves as a helpful solvent in promoting oil flow. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill serves as yet another unnecessary barrier towards American energy production, ultimately harming the entire U.S. economy through higher energy costs.

Hindering Energy Production through a Prohibition on "Concentrated Carbon Dioxide Fluid" for Oil Extraction.

The "Digital Financial Assets Law" creates a new licensing and regulatory framework for digital financial assets under the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation. A range of products including cryptocurrencies, virtual currencies and electronic precious metals would now be subject to state regulation. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the federal government is already attempting to regulate these products, and there is a serious risk that regulations imposed at any level government could threaten innovation within this industry. It is critical to protect this industry from overregulation as bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies play a crucial role as a safeguard against the reckless policies of the Federal Reserve.

Threatening Innovation by Imposing a New Licensing Regime on a Range of Digital and Crypto Financial Assets.

This bill expands the state's "Gun Violence Restraining Order" (GVRO) or "red flag" law to expand the category of persons who may petition a court to issue an order. Specifically, roommates, dating partners and those with "substantial and regular interactions" may now seek to have a firearm immediately taken away from another person through an "ex-parte" (one-sided) petition to a court if the individual alleges the person in possession of the firearm is in danger to themselves or others. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the one-sided petition violates due process under the law (an individual can't provide their defense) and this program lacks provisions that prevent nefarious individuals from abusing the system to harass or harm law-abiding individuals, thus unduly infringing their Second Amendment protections and leaving them defenseless.

Further Expanding Firearm Seizures Without Due Process Through the "Gun Violence Restraining Order".

This bill makes it much easier for union leaders to unionize agricultural workers across the state's 30,000 farms. Specifically, the bill authorizes usage of a "card check" system which allows leaders to publicly pressure workers into unionizing, as opposed to the existing "secret ballot voting" system.  Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure will subject agricultural workers to significant new levels of intimidation and harassment to unionize by labor leaders. Measures such as this highlight the importance of "Right to Work" legislation, which protects the ability of individuals to work without joining a labor union.

Hiking Consumer Costs and Empowering Union Leaders by Unionizing the Agricultural Industry through a Card-Check System.

This bill declares that physicians and surgeons commit "unprofessional conduct" if they "disseminate misinformation" related to COVID-19, including false or misleading information regarding the nature and risks of the virus, its prevention and treatment; and the development, safety, and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines". Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this politicized measure promotes government censorship and prevents physicians from best serving their patients - which is especially problematic considering the everchanging guidelines and determinations being made by the government concerning COVID-19.

Allowing the State Medical Board to Punish Doctors for Spreading Alleged "Misinformation" about COVID-19.

The "Clean Energy, Jobs, and Affordability Act of 2022" further increases the stringency of a landmark climate bill passed in 2018 which requires all electricity sold in the state to be 100% clean by 2045. SB 1020 establishes additional benchmarks such as requiring 90% of electricity sold be carbon free by 2030 and 95% by 2035. Furthermore, all state agencies must now obtain their power from renewables by 2035. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as these unnecessary new mandates will only further drive-up electricity costs for consumers, businesses and taxpayers. Lawmakers should instead spur economic growth (which ultimately leads to environmental improvement) through an "all of the above" approach to energy procurement.

Hiking Energy Costs by Imposing Even More Stringent Renewable Energy and Zero-Carbon Electricity Mandates

The "California Climate Crisis Act" legally binds the state to its goal of "net-zero" carbon by 2045, and maintain and achieve negative greenhouse gas emissions in the years following. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further cements the state to its disastrous environmental agenda, which will stifle economic growth and lead to sky-rocketing prices for businesses and consumers.

Stifling Economic Growth by Codifying the State's Disastrous 2045 "Net-Zero" Carbon Goal.

The "Gun Violence Prevention, Healing, and Recovery Act" enacts an additional 3.75% sale tax on firearms and ammunition sold in the state. As a result, purchasers of firearms and ammunition may face a sales tax rate of over 25% when factoring in the state tax (11%), local taxes (up to 3.5%) and the federal tax (11%). This taxation also does not include the amount passed onto consumers through the $37.19 fee placed on firearm dealers plus other taxes. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. This measure serves to punish law-abiding individuals who wish to exercise their Second Amendment rights through outrageous levels of taxation.

Attacking Second Amendment Rights through Additional Taxes on Firearms and Ammunition - Resulting in a 25% Sales Tax Rate.

This bill requires local agencies which permit groundwater wells to obtain written verification stating a proposed well will not "undermine sustainable groundwater management or cause well interference". This additional statewide mandate is expected to significantly raise costs for well applicants and potentially limit the ability of some landowners to utilize the groundwater beneath their property.  Oppose is the Limited Government Position as well drilling is already regulated at the local level and this additional state-wide regulatory barrier places significant costs onto businesses and may provide favor to certain landowners while infringing the property rights of others.

Weakening Property Rights by Placing Costly and Excessive Regulatory Barriers to Drill New Groundwater Wells.

This bill prohibits any person or business from charging a different price for two "substantially similar" items based on the gender of the individuals for whom the items are marketed and intended. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as free market competition - not a government price control - is the best mechanism to ensure consumers receive the highest quality goods at the lowest prices. This measure merely serves as a new tool to enrich greedy plaintiffs' attorneys through the advancement of frivolous litigation surrounding the so-called "pink tax".

Imposing Government Price Controls on Consumer Products to Prohibit the So-called "Pink Tax".

This bill establishes the California Reproductive Health Equity Program, which provides no cost or reduced cost abortion services to women earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level. Additionally, the bill requires health insurers which provide plans without abortion coverage to religious employers, to provide written notice to those enrollees that they may be eligible for no cost abortions through the state program. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as regardless of ones view on abortion, it is not the role of government to provide such coverage and force the costs onto taxpayers, many of whom have deep religious objections to the practice.

Providing "Free" Abortions to Women Earning up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.

This bill places a 6-month limit on the amount of time a juvenile offender may be placed on probation except in limited cases. Additionally, the court is no longer required to place certain conditions on juvenile probation such as attending counseling, repairing property, performing community service or repaying apprehension costs. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill limits the ability of courts to maintain public safety and protect property rights. This measure is especially troubling considering the enactment of other changes to the criminal justice system which have loosened penalties and led to rising crime rates.

Increasing Crime and Harming Public Safety by Placing a 6 Month Limit on Juvenile Probation.

The "Middle Class Housing Act of 2022" allows residential housing development on property zoned for commercial use if a project meets certain conditions, including meeting prevailing wage and "skilled and trained workforce" requirements. The bill is intended to override some local zoning regulations which forbid developers from constructing such mixed-use development. Support is the Limited Government Position as while the bill does contain a couple negative provisions that cave to union labor demands, the bill serves as a step in the right direction by combatting overreaching local zoning regulations, thus strengthening property rights.

Strengthening Property Rights by Permitting Residential Housing Development on Commercially Zoned Property Under Certain Conditions.

This bill establishes a new pilot program within the California Health and Human Services Agency (CHHSA) which provides additional taxpayer funding to primary care clinics that perform abortion and are located in five counties across different regions of the state. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is not the role of government to promote abortion and force payment from taxpayers to advance abortion (many of whom may have strong religious objections).

Channeling Tens of Millions of Additional Taxpayer Funds to Providers of Abortion in "Marginalized Communities".

The "California Antihunger Response Act of 2022" creates a new state program in which able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD) are provided food stamp benefits despite not complying with the work requirements of CalFresh which are set by the federal government. The cost to create the new system (not accounting for benefit payouts) is estimated to cost $100 million. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill is intended to circumvent the federal work requirements implemented in the mid-1990s to help encourage able-bodied individuals to find employment and regain self-reliance. This bill places an unnecessary cost onto taxpayers while discouraging work-ready adults to become self-sufficient.

Spending $100 Million to Bypass a Critical Federal Welfare Integrity Measure and Provide Food Stamps to Work-Ready Adults who Refuse to Comply with Work Requirements.

The "Contraceptive Equity Act of 2022" requires all health insurance policies offered in the state to provide coverage for vasectomies and over-the-counter contraceptive drugs, devices and products. All of these services and products must be provided without any deductible or cost-sharing requirement. Additionally, the bill adds "reproductive healthcare decisions" to the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, thus prohibiting employers from taking any discriminatory actions. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as each and every health insurance mandate or price control on co-payments prevents an individual from selecting a plan with just basic or customized coverages to fit their specific needs. As a result, health insurers are forced to only offer costly plans loaded with coverages that most individuals do not need. This can result in lower-income or younger individuals choosing to purchase no insurance plan at all due to the high cost.

Increasing Health Insurance Premiums by Mandating All Policies Cover Vasectomies and Contraceptives at No Cost.

This bill establishes the "Birthing Justice for California Families Pilot Project", which funds community-based doula groups to provide services to individuals who are otherwise not eligible under the state's Medicaid system. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure further increases government dependency under a state system that already provides benefits to a substantial portion of the population through Medi-Cal. Lawmakers should instead work to reduce barriers for charitable organizations to direct aid and assistance to those that truly need it, not expand the ineffective welfare state.

Forcing Taxpayers to Fund Additional Doula Services Through the Creation of the "Birthing Justice for California Families Pilot Project".

This bill prohibits construction of any new oil or gas wells within 3,200 feet of a "sensitive receptor" which includes everything from homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses. Additionally, the bill requires existing wells in those areas to comply with additional light, sound and environmental regulations. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill will significantly reduce oil and gas extraction in the state, ultimately harming American energy production and the U.S. economy.

Limiting American Energy Production Through New Draconian Restrictions on Oil and Gas Well Placement.

This bill, modeled after the Texas law allowing anyone to file lawsuits alleging violations of abortion laws, allows anyone to sue another individual who constructs, transports or offers for sale a firearm banned by the state, such as an "assault weapon" or unserialized firearm. Like the Texas law, the bill offers bounties of at least $10,000 for prevailing claimants. fi. The bill even includes language that the provisions will become inoperative if the Texas statute is struck down by the Texas Supreme Court or U.S. Supreme Court. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. Lawmakers should not infringe the Second Amendment rights of their own state residents to politicize the actions taken by other states.

Attacking Firearm Owners and Second Amendment Rights by Allowing Anyone to Sue Another Individual Who Constructs, Transports or Sells a Firearm Banned by the State.

The "Fast Food Accountability and Standards Recovery Act" or "FAST Recovery Act," establishes a 10 member fast food council made up of appointees by the Governor, Speaker of the Assembly and Senate rules committee. The council would have power to set minimum wages, working hours and various other labor standards and regulations.  Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill provides far overreaching powers to a group of individuals who are not accountable to voters. Additionally, the bill drives up consumer costs by subjecting business to unreasonable demands by labor unions.

ILA

Susan Talamantes Eggman