Los Angeles Daily News
Mike Garcia Op-Ed
 
“The proverbial chickens are coming home to roost.

“Assembly Bill 5, the disastrous jobs-killing bill that restricts everyone from freelance writers to ride share drivers to newspaper carriers to independently contract has pushed California to the brink.

“Many saw it coming, predicting this would happen. Reports that one million people would be affected couldn’t dissuade the liberal Sacramento politicians from plowing ahead.

“That was before COVID-19 hit us like a ton of bricks.

“Now, with millions out of work, Sacramento is doubling down by budgeting millions for its enforcement and taking rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft to court, putting hundreds of thousands of jobs on the line during a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic.

“Following a court ruling forcing their hand, the CEO’s of Uber and Lyft announced that to comply with AB5, they would be forced to shut down for three months…

“Three months where people who depend on driving for Uber and Lyft as their secondary and in many cases, their primary source of income, would be out of work…

“Thankfully, an appeals court granted a temporary stay, but the fight is far from over…

“… Politicians even budgeted $20 million of our tax dollars to ensure small businesses are bending to their will.

“Break their rules, you pay.

“Beyond the thousands who will lose their income, what about those who rely on ride share for their everyday needs? …

“But, this is how the politicians want it, and it sums up everything that is going wrong in this state.

“Sacramento’s answer to any issue is raise taxes and push our small businesses to the brink of collapse.

“Literally billions in higher taxes have been poured onto our citizens’ heads.

“Initial estimates said AB5 would force as many as 75,000 people out of work.

“We now know that number is much higher.

“Uber has suggested a compromise.

“Sacramento’s response – take them to court.

“What’s worse is that politicians who have spent months opining on their concern for our working families throughout COVID-19 continue turning a blind eye to AB5 and how it is hurting California’s job market and economy.

“My opponent, Assemblywoman Christy Smith, D-Santa Clarita, voted for AB5 and remains a major proponent, rejecting all efforts to repeal it.

“Her silence is deafening as many in this district face the prospect of being out of work and many more losing a major mode of transportation. AB5 is a perfect example of what’s at stake in this next election.
 
“Three months ago you sent me to Washington to fight for lower taxes and ensure that we don’t let disastrous policies like AB5 take hold nationally, and that’s what I continue doing every single day.

“I called for the repeal of AB5 before the pandemic. I am renewing that call today.

“It is time we end this nightmare that is killing jobs in a struggling economy, hurting families and sending people for the state line.

“Repeal AB5 now.”
 
Read the rest here.

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