Sacramento is at it again to usurp control from local officials. Remember when we warned you that SB 342 might rear its head again this year? Well, it's back.

SB 342, introduced by Sen. Lena Gonzalez, proposes to add two state-appointed seats to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Governing Board. Sacramento politicians already have three appointees on the SCAQMD’s 13-member board! If this bill passes, nearly 40% of the board would be filled by members who are accountable to the politician who appointed them, rather than the public.

This maneuver to pack the SCAQMD board reduces transparency and shields officials from accountability. That's why all prior attempts at adding SCAQMD board seats have been defeated.

We must stop this latest effort to dilute local voices and diminish local control. SB 342 could establish dangerous precedent for other regional agencies.

BizFed submitted a coalition letter, signed by 102 organizations, in opposition to this bill.

SB 342 IS ON THE SENATE FLOOR
January 31^st @ 2:00 PM

How can you help NOW?

• SIGN ON: If your organization is not listed on the coalition letter and you would like to be added to our Senate Floor Alert; send your logo to sarah.wiltfong@bizfed.org by Friday, Jan 28 at 4:00 PM.

• SPEAK OUT: Call your Senator or their District Director ASAP and tell them to vote no on SB 342. Find your Senator here.

• AMPLIFY OUR VOICE: Retweet BizFed's Tweet directly engaging with legislators.

Regional air quality control boards were established throughout California to empower local elected officials to develop air quality regulations that reflect each region's unique populations, challenges, and sectors. Let's take a stand against proposals that undermine our proven regional leadership. Please contact sarah.wiltfong@bizfed.org if you have any questions.

In your corner,

Tracy Hernandez
Founding CEO, BizFed