Sacramento,
Assembly Bill 84 (Leslie/Laird), creating a new specialty license plate program that can be used to create license plates to provide funding for important state agencies such as the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, is heading for the Governor's desk for a signature.
Thursday afternoon the Assembly voted 73 – 4 to pass the bill, which has enjoyed unusual bi-partisan support at every stage. Every Assemblyman representing the area served by the Sierra Nevada Conservancy voted in favor of this bill.
Earlier this week the bill squeaked by the Senate floor with a 21 – 10 vote. Senator Cox, a Republican from the Sierra region, sponsored the bill on the floor.
Next the bill will head to Governor Schwarzeneggar's desk for his signature. “We hope the Governor will sign this bill soon,” comments
Supporters of the legislation are asked to write the Governor urging his signature on the bill. Letters can be mailed or faxed to:
Fax: 916-445-4633
Sample Letter for your letterhead:
Re:
Dear Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger,
____(your organization)____ is writing to ask for your signature on AB 84 (Leslie/Laird) establishing a specialty license plate program that can be used to create license plates to provide funding for important state agencies such as the Sierra Nevada Conservancy. Other state Conservancies have relied upon the sale of license plates for funds, but recent court action has effectively closed this opportunity to the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, as well as all other state programs. This legislation re-opens that door.
As amended the bill:
1. Allows only state agencies to be eligible to apply for specialty license plates;
2. Prohibits state agencies from purchasing specialty license plates for exempt vehicles; and
3. Deletes the reference to public or nonprofit agencies assisting the state agency in promoting the plate.
This bill enjoyed bi-partisan support in the Senate and the Assembly, passing out of the Assembly with 73 “aye” votes, including every Assemblyman that represents the Sierra. Passage of this bill is important to our organization. Feel free to call if you have any questions about our position.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Contact information