Checking out the post-session news coverage, there was widespread agreement that labor unions continued to win in the Democrat-dominated capitol. They hold more than a two-thirds majority in both houses so they can pass anything they want on party-line votes assuming not too many break ranks.
Among the more egregious bills that passed is one that would grant striking workers unemployment benefits after two weeks on the picket line. This bill avoided the normal committee review process, instead using the shameful “gut and amend” tactic of hijacking a bill that already had passed one house, changing it entirely, and then moving the bill forward.
It’s aimed at bailing out the screen writers union that has been striking since May 2 and was joined by the actors guild July 14. They’re striking against the motion picture and television studios and production companies. In total, about 171,500 people are on strike and virtually all work has been shut down.
The unions made the choice to strike and should not get unemployment benefits that are actually paid by employers. Only in whacko Sacramento would this seem to make sense. It’s difficult to imagine progressive Newsom vetoing this ill-advised bill.
This is just one of the 13 bills backed by the California Labor Federation that passed.
Other bills would expand mandatory sick leave to five days, raise the minimum wage for both health care workers and fast food workers and allow legislative staff to form unions. I expect that Newsom will sign all of these bills despite efforts by business groups to encourage vetoes.
Former Pleasanton City Councilman and business man Jerry Pentin returned to town from his new digs in Grass Valley to share about this bicycling experiences with the Pleasanton Men’s Club. He’s been an avid cyclist for years and championed safer bicycling in Pleasanton during his time on the council and planning commission. In all he served about 25 years including his time on the parks and recreation commission.
He shared about riding across Iowa in 100-plus degree July heat, in Moab UT (mountain biking heaven) and on the continental divide. On that ride, he paused to celebrate after reaching the summit of the highest mountain pass with an unpaved road in Colorado (12,100 feet). His cell phone started pinging. Somehow, he had cell service for the first time in days. He said the first email he opened came from the city of Pleasanton about a special council meeting to consider its state-mandated housing goals. Looking around at the magnificent high country scenery and knew he was in exactly the right place.
