Assembly Republicans Call for Legislature to Pause 5 Bills Until Californians Know the Cost Impact

The California Legislature keeps piling on to Californian’s bills without ever considering what it costs families.

Assembly Republicans Monday called on the California Legislature to pause consideration of five bills until an independent analysis determines what they could cost Californians.

The Republicans request that the Legislative Analyst’s Office prepare a Citizen Cost Impact Report of the following bills:

1. AB 1448 raises gas prices by reducing the supply of oil.
2. AB 1776 increases prices for consumers by imposing liability on businesses.
3. AB 2646 increases food prices.
4. SB 295 bans tools that lower costs for consumers.
5. SB 1259 raises gas prices by reducing the supply of gasoline.

Republicans also asked the LAO to review the consumer costs of AB 844, a 20-year old bill recently dusted off by the California Energy Commission to issue regulations and mandates removing roughly 70% of existing tire models in the state.

“We’re seeing regulations that tell Californians what products they can and cannot buy, all while Sacramento claims these policies will somehow make life more affordable,” said Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez (R-Indio). “California families deserve choice, and before we ask them to comply with another regulation, we should know what it will actually cost the people who have to live with it.”

Gonzalez noted that unemployment in Imperial County is 20%, and the new mandates make California families spend even more just to live.

“Families are already stretching every paycheck to cover groceries, gas, utilities and other necessities,” said Assemblywoman Leticia Castillo (R-Corona).  “Taking the time to understand what these bills will cost is more important than rushing them through before the end of session.”

She noted that the Legislature always requests what a bill will cost the state, and “almost never ask what it costs you.”

“California families have had enough,” said Assemblyman Josh Hoover (R-Folsom). He spoke of a constituent who has raised his family in Citreu Heights, but is preparing to move to Tennessee because of California’s highest-in-the-nation costs. “Sacramento spent the last two years promising to make California more affordable, but lawmakers are preparing to vote on hundreds of bills without knowing what they could cost the people we represent,”  Hoover said. “Californians deserve to know the price before we vote, not after.”

Assemblyman Tri Ta (R-Westminster) asked, “is your life better today than before? Why is it so hard to live here?”

A reporter asked Assemblyman David Tangipa (R-Fresno) why ask for this now, and what has taken so long. He replied that affordability has been Assembly Republicans’ priority all year long.

As Assemblyman Tangipa noted, Republicans want to have bipartisan discussions, “but they (Democrats) have to allow us in the room to have bipartisan discussions.”

There is one week left of this legislative session, which is why Republicans are asking the Legislature to hold the five bills pending a full evaluation of the costs.

Assembly Republicans are going to the mat for the people, but don’t hold your breath. This batch of Democrat leaders isn’t interested in bipartisan anything.

Present at the press conference:

Assembly Minority Leader Alexandra Macedo (R-Tulare)

Assemblymember Josh Hoover (R-Folsom)

Assemblymember David Tangipa (R-Fresno)

Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez (R-Indio)

Assembly Member Tri Ta (R-Westminster)

Assemblymember Leticia Castillo (R-Corona)

Assemblymember Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale)

Assemblymember Natasha Johnson (R-Lake Elsinore)

Assemblymember Stan Ellis (R-Bakersfield)

Assemblymember Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach)

Assemblymember Kate Sanchez (R-Rancho Santa Margartia)