AB84 Heading for the Governor's Desk

August 25, 2006

Sacramento, CA —

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 Elizabeth “Izzy” Martin, CEO of The Sierra Fund, sponsors of the bill. “Other state Conservancies such as the Tahoe and Coastal 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.”

Supporters of the legislation are asked to write the Governor urging his signature on the bill. Letters can be mailed or faxed to:

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Fax: 916-445-4633

Sample Letter for your letterhead:

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: Support AB 84

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