MOMS

Suzette Martinez Valladares

The "Fast Food Accountability and Standards Recovery Act" or "FAST Recovery Act," establishes a 10 member fast food council made up of appointees by the Governor, Speaker of the Assembly and Senate rules committee. The council would have power to set minimum wages, working hours and various other labor standards and regulations.  Oppose is the Moms for America Position as this bill provides far overreaching powers to a group of individuals who are not accountable to voters. Additionally, the bill drives up consumer costs by subjecting business to unreasonable demands by labor unions.

Subjecting Restaurants to Unreasonable Labor Union Demands through the Creation of an Unaccountable "Fast Food Council" to Impose Regulations.

The "Gun Violence Prevention, Healing, and Recovery Act" enacts an additional 3.75% sale tax on firearms and ammunition sold in the state. As a result, purchasers of firearms and ammunition may face a sales tax rate of over 25% when factoring in the state tax (11%), local taxes (up to 3.5%) and the federal tax (11%). This taxation also does not include the amount passed onto consumers through the $37.19 fee placed on firearm dealers plus other taxes. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. This measure serves to punish law-abiding individuals who wish to exercise their Second Amendment rights through outrageous levels of taxation.

Attacking Second Amendment Rights through Additional Taxes on Firearms and Ammunition - Resulting in a 25% Sales Tax Rate.

This bill establishes the California Reproductive Health Equity Program, which provides no cost or reduced cost abortion services to women earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level. Additionally, the bill requires health insurers which provide plans without abortion coverage to religious employers, to provide written notice to those enrollees that they may be eligible for no cost abortions through the state program. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as regardless of ones view on abortion, it is not the role of government to provide such coverage and force the costs onto taxpayers, many of whom have deep religious objections to the practice.

Providing "Free" Abortions to Women Earning up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.

The "Firearm Industry Responsibility Act" prohibits a firearm manufacture from manufacturing or marketing a product that is "abnormally dangerous and likely to create an unreasonable risk of harm to public health and safety in California". Additionally, the bill allows individuals to sue a manufacturer for any actions or failure by their distributors to comply with state law if the individual suffers damages from the misuse of a firearm. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. This measure is primarily designed to drive firearm manufacturers out of business through an attempt to advance a gun-control agenda.

Attempting to Force Firearm Manufacturers Out of Business by Exposing them to Frivolous and Costly Litigation.

The "Contraceptive Equity Act of 2022" requires all health insurance policies offered in the state to provide coverage for vasectomies and over-the-counter contraceptive drugs, devices and products. All of these services and products must be provided without any deductible or cost-sharing requirement. Additionally, the bill adds "reproductive healthcare decisions" to the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, thus prohibiting employers from taking any discriminatory actions. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as each and every health insurance mandate or price control on co-payments prevents an individual from selecting a plan with just basic or customized coverages to fit their specific needs. As a result, health insurers are forced to only offer costly plans loaded with coverages that most individuals do not need. This can result in lower-income or younger individuals choosing to purchase no insurance plan at all due to the high cost.

Increasing Health Insurance Premiums by Mandating All Policies Cover Vasectomies and Contraceptives at No Cost.

This bill permits nurse practitioners and nurse-midwives to perform first trimester abortions without the supervision of a physician. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as this bill allows over 20,000 additional individuals to now take the lives of the unborn. All abortions are tragedies and every child deserves the right to life.

Allowing Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Midwives to Take the Lives of Unborn Children Through Abortion without Supervision of a Doctor.

This bill establishes the "Excluded Workers Pilot Program" which provides illegal immigrants with up to 20 weeks of unemployment benefits, at an amount of $300 per week. The bill is estimated to cost state taxpayers $237 million to build out and over $215 million in annual benefit payouts. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as providing individuals who entered the country unlawfully to taxpayer funded welfare benefits merely incentivizes additional illegal immigration. While reforms are needed to the U.S. immigration system to increase the number of skilled individuals who may enter and work in our country, measures such as this undermine reform efforts and plunge taxpayers into further debt.

Forcing Taxpayers to Spend Hundreds of Millions Annually to Provide Unemployment Benefits to Illegal Immigrants.

This bill expands legal aid eligibility under the Sargent Civil Counsel Act to now include individuals who may be residing in the country unlawfully. Taxpayer funded aid that is provided under this act includes certain civil, housing-related, guardianships, and domestic violence related matters.  Oppose is the Moms for America Position as it is not the role of government to guarantee taxpayer-funded legal counsel in civil matters - especially for individuals who are residing in the country illegally. Measures such as this merely further incentive illegal immigration.

Expanding Taxpayer-Funded Legal Aid Programs to Illegal Immigrants.

This bill prohibits construction of any new oil or gas wells within 3,200 feet of a "sensitive receptor" which includes everything from homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses. Additionally, the bill requires existing wells in those areas to comply with additional light, sound and environmental regulations. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as this bill will significantly reduce oil and gas extraction in the state, ultimately harming American energy production and the U.S. economy.

Limiting American Energy Production Through New Draconian Restrictions on Oil and Gas Well Placement.

The "Platform Accountability and Transparency Act" requires social media to publicly disclose how their algorithms push information. This includes statistics on items of content that violated their platform policies and were recommended or amplified through their algorithms.  According to the bill's sponsor, the measure is needed to bring transparency to medical disinformation, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as this government overreach into the private sector places significant financial and regulatory costs onto the tech industry, which is ultimately passed down to consumers.  Except in cases of fraud or criminal activity, industries are best governed through free market principles whereby consumers hold private companies accountable.

Expanding the Regulatory State by Placing Costly New Reporting Mandates on Social Media Companies Concerning Content Policy Violations

This bill expands Family PACT (government-provided healthcare) to include prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases for individuals who already may be insured and are not at risk of experiencing or causing an unintended pregnancy. The bill is primarily directed at LGBTQ individuals who may have confidentiality concerns using their insurance for treatment. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as this bill further grows government-provided healthcare and dependency while also estimated to place tens of millions of dollars of additional costs onto taxpayers.

Increasing Government Dependency by Providing STD Treatment to all LGBTQ Individuals at the Expense of Taxpayers.

The "California Climate Crisis Act" legally binds the state to its goal of "net-zero" carbon by 2045, and maintain and achieve negative greenhouse gas emissions in the years following. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as this bill further cements the state to its disastrous environmental agenda, which will stifle economic growth and lead to sky-rocketing prices for businesses and consumers.

Stifling Economic Growth by Codifying the State's Disastrous 2045 "Net-Zero" Carbon Goal.

This bill creates a new "Water Rate Assistance Program" which would require taxpayers to subsidize the water and wastewater utility bills of certain individuals based on income. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as further growing the size and scope of the government welfare state disincentivizes advancement and traps individuals into government dependency and poverty. The private sector, through charitable initiatives, is best equipped to help support those in need and work to make them self-sufficient.

Growing Government Dependency by Providing "Water Rate Assistance" to Certain Utility Payers based on Income.

This bill authorizes the State Air Resources Board every three years to review and increase the stringency of the state's cap-and-trade program for greenhouse gases. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as the state's cap-and-trade program already places enormous unnecessary costs on businesses. This measure will further worsen the situation by allowing unaccountable government employees within ARB to inflict even greater harm to the state's business climate.

Threatening Businesses with Higher Costs by Increasing the Stringency of the State's Cap-and-Trade Program.

The "Climate Corporate Accountability Act" establishes mandatory reporting of greenhouse (GHG) emissions for large businesses in California. The bill requires companies to report both their direct and indirect emissions as well as publicize their targets and measures to reduce emissions., Oppose is the Moms for America Position as not only does this bill drive up costs by forcing companies to track their GHG emissions, but such publication may expose certain companies to harassment. Stringent cuts in GHG emissions ultimately drive up consumer costs, and harm the competitiveness of the state's business sector.

Further Driving Up Business Costs by Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Corporations

The "Buy American Food Act" places more stringent domestic procurement requirements on California public schools and universities concerning their agricultural food purchases. Previous law required institutions to procure only domestically grown and processed foods unless the cost was greater than 5% of the non-domestic alternative. This bill now requires the non-domestic alternative to be at least 25% more costly, which is estimated to cost taxpayers an additional $1.9 billion. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as this bill is largely designed to enrich California agricultural producers and labor unions, while unnecessarily punishing taxpayers who will be forced to bear the higher costs. The bill also directly violates the limited government principles of free trade and markets.

Increasing Taxpayer Costs by Worsening Protectionist Agricultural Procurement Mandates Placed on Schools and Universities.

This bill, modeled after the Texas law allowing anyone to file lawsuits alleging violations of abortion laws, allows anyone to sue another individual who constructs, transports or offers for sale a firearm banned by the state, such as an "assault weapon" or unserialized firearm. Like the Texas law, the bill offers bounties of at least $10,000 for prevailing claimants. fi. The bill even includes language that the provisions will become inoperative if the Texas statute is struck down by the Texas Supreme Court or U.S. Supreme Court. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. Lawmakers should not infringe the Second Amendment rights of their own state residents to politicize the actions taken by other states.

Attacking Firearm Owners and Second Amendment Rights by Allowing Anyone to Sue Another Individual Who Constructs, Transports or Sells a Firearm Banned by the State.

This bill places a 6-month limit on the amount of time a juvenile offender may be placed on probation except in limited cases. Additionally, the court is no longer required to place certain conditions on juvenile probation such as attending counseling, repairing property, performing community service or repaying apprehension costs. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as this bill limits the ability of courts to maintain public safety and protect property rights. This measure is especially troubling considering the enactment of other changes to the criminal justice system which have loosened penalties and led to rising crime rates.

Increasing Crime and Harming Public Safety by Placing a 6 Month Limit on Juvenile Probation.

This bill prevents the Medical Board of California from suspending or revoking the license of medical professionals who has been punished by another state for performing an illegal abortion. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as this bill obstructs the ability for states to hold abortionists accountable for performing illegal abortions. All abortions are tragedies and every child deserves the right to life.

Preventing the Medical Board of California from Taking Disciplinary Action Against Physicians Who Performed Illegal Abortions in Other States.

This bill establishes the "Birthing Justice for California Families Pilot Project", which funds community-based doula groups to provide services to individuals who are otherwise not eligible under the state's Medicaid system. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as this measure further increases government dependency under a state system that already provides benefits to a substantial portion of the population through Medi-Cal. Lawmakers should instead work to reduce barriers for charitable organizations to direct aid and assistance to those that truly need it, not expand the ineffective welfare state.

Forcing Taxpayers to Fund Additional Doula Services Through the Creation of the "Birthing Justice for California Families Pilot Project".

This bill establishes California as a sanctuary state for "gender affirming healthcare" by limiting cooperation with other states seeking to enforce law designed to protect children from such procedures. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as this politicized measure disregards the duly enacted laws of other states which protect minors from horrific and irreversible procedures which children are not old enough to consent to.

Establishing a "Sanctuary State" for Transgender Procedures on Minors

This bill establishes the "Electric Bicycle Incentive Project" to provide vouchers to income-eligible individuals to purchase e-bikes at certain retailers. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as not only do measures such as this provide competitive advantages to government-favored companies, and further hike taxpayer costs, but also disincentivize advancement and grow government dependency by expanding the welfare state.

Growing Government Dependency by Providing Electric Bicycle Vouchers to Certain Individuals Based on Income.

This bill declares that physicians and surgeons commit "unprofessional conduct" if they "disseminate misinformation" related to COVID-19, including false or misleading information regarding the nature and risks of the virus, its prevention and treatment; and the development, safety, and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines". Oppose is the Moms for America Position as this politicized measure promotes government censorship and prevents physicians from best serving their patients - which is especially problematic considering the everchanging guidelines and determinations being made by the government concerning COVID-19.

Allowing the State Medical Board to Punish Doctors for Spreading Alleged "Misinformation" about COVID-19.

This bill repeals the requirement that the state preserve all applications for mail ballots for 22 months following the date of federal elections, and 6 months from the date of state and local elections. Additionally, election officials are now required to also send a "second ballot" via mail to a "voter representative" upon written request by a voter. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as this bill promotes ballot harvesting as well as weakens safeguards to prevent voter fraud.   Such safeguards against fraud are critical to ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic.

Weakening Election Integrity by Ending the Preservation of Vote by Mail Applications and Expanding Recipients of "Second" Mailed Ballots.

This bill requires the California Air Resource Board (CARB) to adopt much more stringent reductions in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Under the bill, the state's GHG emissions must be reduced at least 55% (previously 40%) below 1990 levels by 2030. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as this stringent mandate will have dire consequences on economic and business growth, which will ultimately be felt by consumers nationwide through higher product prices.

Placing Enormous New Costs on Businesses and Consumers by Mandating a 55% (Previously 40%) Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2030.

This bill requires county and regional transportation agencies to prioritize transportation projects based on adherence to Sustainable Communities Strategies (SCS) and the state's climate goals. Additionally, the agencies are prohibited from funding any project that is determined to be inconsistent with the most recent SCS or climate goal by the Air Resource Board. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as this bill will result in greater traffic and commute times for Californians by hindering infrastructure expansion while also unnecessarily driving up transportation project costs for taxpayers.

Harming the Transportation Sector by Basing Infrastructure Funding and Prioritization on Advancing Climate Goals.

This bill eliminates provisions within the law which require the coroner to investigate certain fetal deaths. The bill also prohibits the use of the coroner's statements on the death certificate from being used for a criminal prosecution. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as the state should not eliminate critical safeguards which protect newly born children from being murdered under the guise of the tragedy of abortion.

Covering Up Infanticide by Prohibiting Coroner Investigations of Fetal Deaths.

This bill expands the state's "Gun Violence Restraining Order" (GVRO) or "red flag" law to expand the category of persons who may petition a court to issue an order. Specifically, roommates, dating partners and those with "substantial and regular interactions" may now seek to have a firearm immediately taken away from another person through an "ex-parte" (one-sided) petition to a court if the individual alleges the person in possession of the firearm is in danger to themselves or others. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as the one-sided petition violates due process under the law (an individual can't provide their defense) and this program lacks provisions that prevent nefarious individuals from abusing the system to harass or harm law-abiding individuals, thus unduly infringing their Second Amendment protections and leaving them defenseless.

Further Expanding Firearm Seizures Without Due Process Through the "Gun Violence Restraining Order".

This constitutional amendment establishes new fundamental rights to choose to have an abortion and utilize contraceptives. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as all abortions are tragedies and every child deserves the right to life. Furthermore, this amendment may force religious medical entities to violate their sincerely held beliefs.

Taking the Lives of the Unborn through a Constitutional Amendment Declaring a "Right" to Abortion.

This bill is largely in response to the U.S. Supreme Court decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen, which found the use of arbitrary "may issue" standards for concealed carry licenses to be unconstitutional. Under the bill, "gun free zones" are significantly expanded - including all private businesses by default unless they post a sign saying it is permitted. Additionally, concealed carry training requirements and costs are increased, among a number of other provisions. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. This measure serves to undermine the Supreme Court's decision and limits the ability of law-abiding individuals to defend themselves from criminals.

Infringing Second Amendment Rights and Defying the Supreme Court Ruling through New "Gun Free" Zones and Concealed Carry Law Changes.

This bill provides a $1,000 refundable tax credit to single-filers earning up to $40,000, and joint-filers earning up to $60,000, who do not own or purchase a car. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as lawmakers should not use the power of government to centrally plan the lives of individuals and wage war against the internal combustion engine. Furthermore, growing the size and scope of the government welfare state disincentivizes advancement and traps individuals into government dependency and poverty.

Growing Government Dependency by Providing $1,000 to Income-Eligible Individuals without Automobiles.

This bill requires all new charter schools to participate in either the state's Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS) or the Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) as opposed to offering their own 401k style plans.  This change would subject charter schools to additional regulations and costs. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as this new mandate harms school choice by making it more costly to operate a charter school. This bill is primarily designed to help bail out the state pension system as California has some of the highest unfunded pension liabilities in the country.

Threatening School Choice by Forcing Charter Schools to Participate in Costly State Retirement Programs.

This bill establishes the "California Coordinated Neighborhood and Community Services Grant Program" which provides state grants to certain organizations in federal "Promise Neighborhoods". Many of these groups have politically-motivated agendas, such as bill sponsor "StriveTogether" which promotes on its website how its network member led the passage of a ballot measure which hiked property taxes in Colorado to increase school funding. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as taxpayer funds should not be utilized to advance political initiatives. The private sector (through charitable endeavors) is best equipped to direct funding to the groups and initiatives which are most needed and beneficial to communities.

Expanding Cronyism and Unnecessary Spending by Providing Grants to Government-Favored Community Groups with Politically Driven Agendas.

This bill requires pharmacists to complete at least one hour of continuing education in a "cultural competency course" every two years. The course must focus on individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ and must also "contain elements demonstrating how sexual identity is directly impacted through intersectionality." Oppose is the Moms for America Position as this bill is largely designed to enrich entities and individuals who provide such "cultural competency services". Instead of this politically-motivated government mandate, pharmacists should be free to select the trainings which will provide them the greatest value and information to serve their patients.

Forcing Pharmacists to Undergo an Hour "Cultural Competency" Course Every 2 Years Focused on LGBTQ+ Individuals.

This bill prohibits healthcare providers, insurers, contractors, and employers from releasing medical information related to an individual seeking or obtaining an abortion in response to a subpoena or request based on another state's law.  Oppose is the Moms for America Position as all abortions are tragedies and every child deserves the right to life.

Hiding the Practice of Abortion by Prohibiting Healthcare Providers, Insurers and Employers from Responding to Subpoenas Requesting Medical Information Related to Abortion.

This bill further expands the state's expungement policy (previously limited to just misdemeanors and low-level felonies) to now include nearly any previous criminal offense after six years have passed.  Oppose is the Moms for America Position as while expunging low-level and non-violent criminal records can help reduce potential employment barriers, this expansive measure which expunges serious violent crimes threatens public safety.

Threatening Public Safety by Expunging Felony and Violent Criminal Records.

This bill requires consultation of the "California Healthy Places Index" when determining freeway expansion projects. According to the sponsor, the bill is designed to end "systemic racism" resulting from freeway expansion projects in low-income communities of color. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as this politicized measure will merely increase travel and commute times across the state, while further driving up taxpayer costs and delays in critical infrastructure projects.

Blocking Infrastructure and Freeway Expansions to Prevent "Racist Roadways".

This bill prohibits most health insurance plans, except for a specialized health care service plan contract, from requiring any cost sharing for abortion, such as a deductible, coinsurance, or copayment. The bill also applies to Medi-Cal, the state's Medicaid program. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as each and every health insurance mandate or price control on co-payments prevents an individual from selecting a plan with just basic or customized coverages to fit their specific needs. As a result, health insurers are forced to only offer costly plans loaded with coverages that most individuals do not need. This can result in lower-income or younger individuals choosing to purchase no insurance plan at all due to the high cost.

Increasing Health Insurance Premiums by Mandating Policies Provide Abortion Services Without any Co-Pay or Deductible.

The "California Antihunger Response Act of 2022" creates a new state program in which able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD) are provided food stamp benefits despite not complying with the work requirements of CalFresh which are set by the federal government. The cost to create the new system (not accounting for benefit payouts) is estimated to cost $100 million. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as this bill is intended to circumvent the federal work requirements implemented in the mid-1990s to help encourage able-bodied individuals to find employment and regain self-reliance. This bill places an unnecessary cost onto taxpayers while discouraging work-ready adults to become self-sufficient.

Spending $100 Million to Bypass a Critical Federal Welfare Integrity Measure and Provide Food Stamps to Work-Ready Adults who Refuse to Comply with Work Requirements.

The "Small Business Procurement and Contract Act" establishes a 25% small business target for infrastructure contracts issued through the $14 billion the state received under the Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as all government contracting and procurement decisions should be based strictly on factors relating to cost and quality. Contracting quotas and mandates such as this bill merely restrict competition and unnecessarily drive-up taxpayer costs, while also potentially reducing project quality and timeliness.

Hiking Taxpayer Costs through an Additional Small Business Procurement Mandate for Infrastructure Projects.

Beginning in 2024, this bill requires all children to attend kindergarten prior to entering first grade, which was previously optional. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as this bill removes decision making from parents, who are best equipped to make decisions regarding their child's education.

Weakening Parental Rights by Mandating Kindergarten Attendance for All Children.

This bill establishes the "Housing California Challenge Program" to provide $5 billion in direct rental assistance over the next 5 years to individuals who are at risk of homelessness. This program is in addition to a number of other state programs, and funding under the bill may be utilized to help individuals locate and obtain housing as well as for long-term rental assistance.  Oppose is the Moms for America Position as this bill serves as yet another measure which traps individuals into poverty by disincentivizing advancement and growing government dependency. Additionally, the bill's $5 billion in subsidies will merely bid up the market prices of existing rental units, thus worsening the state's housing affordability crisis and likely leading to additional homelessness and government dependency.

Increasing Government Dependency and Housing Market Costs through a New $5 Billion Housing Assistance Spending Program.

The "Digital Financial Assets Law" creates a new licensing and regulatory framework for digital financial assets under the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation. A range of products including cryptocurrencies, virtual currencies and electronic precious metals would now be subject to state regulation. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as the federal government is already attempting to regulate these products, and there is a serious risk that regulations imposed at any level government could threaten innovation within this industry. It is critical to protect this industry from overregulation as bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies play a crucial role as a safeguard against the reckless policies of the Federal Reserve.