The California Senate Appropriations Committee voted today to move AB 2319 out of its suspense file, marking another critical step in the journey to a post-production tax incentive.
The bill, authored by Assemblymember Nick Schultz (D-San Fernando Valley) and co-authored by Senator Ben Allen (D-Los Angeles), and co-sponsored by the Editors Guild and the California Post Alliance, moves on to a full vote on the Senate floor by the end of the month.
“This is a meaningful victory for our California post workers, and it happened because so many MPEG members, as well as members of the California Post Alliance (CAPA) and other allies, cared enough to make their voices heard through letters, phone calls and sustained advocacy,” said Editors Guild President F. Hudson Miller in a statement.
Miller urged members to be clear-eyed about the remaining challenges: AB 2319 has passed an important hurdle, but the bill must still win a floor vote of the full Senate, go through the concurrence process, receive the governor’s signature and, most importantly, secure funding in a trailer bill.
“Given an extraordinarily difficult state budget environment, we know that getting the measure funded will be no easy task,” said Miller.
“Today’s action by the Appropriations Committee keeps us moving in the right direction, but we still have a ways to go to cross the finish line. We won’t rest until we have a funded, effective incentive that helps bring post jobs back to California and create jobs for our members. We will continue working with CAPA, Assemblymember Nick Schultz and other allies to make this goal a reality.”
“We will also continue asking for your help as this campaign moves forward. We’ve proven member advocacy can make a difference. Thanks to those who helped get us this far. Now, let’s finish the job,” urged Miller.
Local 700’s Political Engagement Committee has been running a “Post Proud in California,” campaign, and released a video of members talking about the impact of the work slowdown in the industry.
“Today is a win for Local 700 members to celebrate,” said PEC Co-chairs A.J. Catoline and Elisa Cohen. “The PEC applauds our MPEG members and allies for their civic action, to make real change for our livelihoods. There is much more work ahead to get the law passed, funded and enacted. Members and allies will be hearing from us again soon. Together, we have built momentum for opportunities to keep post-production work in California — and together, we can bring our union jobs back home. We are Post Proud!”
-The Political Engagement Committee; Guild Staff.
