Newsom wants special session to tackle gas prices. Assembly Republicans are ready

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ASSEMBLY REPUBLICANS ANNOUNCE THEIR OWN SPECIAL SESSION BILLS

California Assembly Last week, Republicans unveiled their own plan for the upcoming special session, which the governor will attend. Gavin Newsom and Assembly Democrats plan to use it to pass legislation to lower gasoline prices.

THE Assembly Republican Caucus announced seven bills that they say would actually lower gasoline prices.

That includes bills to exempt gas from California’s cap-and-trade program — which they say adds 30 cents to the cost of a gallon of gasoline; a bill to suspend the state’s gas tax for a year; a bill to require that the California Energy Commission to regularly update a public dashboard to compare California gas prices to national averages and more.

Republican leader of the Assembly James GallagherR-Yuba City, said in a statement that Newsom has failed to lower gas prices and that the special session is an attempt to distract from that.

“While Democrats are lining up behind a plan that the Newsom administration itself says could raise gas prices, Assembly Republicans have a common-sense plan to provide relief to drivers,” he said.

Most, if not all, of these bills face strong odds of success in the Democratic-controlled Congress. Legislatureas well as against Newsom’s well-used veto pen.

Newsom Spokesperson Daniel Villaseñor “This sounds like a wish list for Big Oil. Nothing in these proposals will stop the huge gas price hikes that are generating huge profits for the oil industry and misery for consumers. The governor is focused on real solutions that protect Californians from being ripped off at the pump,” the governor said in an email to The Bee.

CALCHAMBER TAKES STANCE ON NOVEMBER VOTE MEASURES

Election day is fast approaching and California Chamber of Commerce Last week, he formally ruled on ballot measures before California voters.

Here is CalChamber’s position:

On Proposition 2bonds for public schools and community colleges, CalChamber supports them.
On Proposition 3which removes anti-gay marriage language from the state constitution, CalChamber is in favor.
On Proposition 4which authorizes drinking water and wildfire prevention mandates, CalChamber is neutral.
On Proposition 5which allows local bonds for affordable housing and public infrastructure projects with 55% voter approval, CalChamber opposes it.
On Proposition 6which eliminates the provision of the California Constitution authorizing involuntary servitude of incarcerated persons, CalChamber did not consider this measure.
On Proposition 32CalChamber opposes it, to raise the minimum wage to $18 an hour and then index it to inflation.
On Proposition 33which would allow local governments to authorize rent control, CalChamber opposes it.
On Proposition 34which would limit spending of prescription drug revenue by some health care providers, is supported by CalChamber.
On Proposition 35which would provide permanent funding for Medical CalChamber Health Services is neutral.
On Proposition 36to allow certain theft and drug crimes to be classified as serious felonies, CalChamber supports it.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“I don’t control Laura, Laura has to say what she wants. She’s a free spirit.”

– Former President Donald Trump, speaking at a news conference in Los Angeles about his relationship with conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer, who posted racist X-rated messages about Vice President Kamala Harris and claimed the 9/11 terrorist attack was an inside job. Loomer traveled with Trump during his campaign.

The best of The Bee:

California Approves Fourth PG&E Rate Hike This Year. How Much Will It Add to Your Bill? Via Ari Plachta.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signs bill toughening penalties for retail theft in California, via Nicole Nixon.
California judge rules against school district’s ‘forced disclosure’ policy for transgender students, via Andrew Sheeler.