Dear Supporters of Neighbors for a Better California,

Over the last two weeks we’ve alerted you to Senate Bill 79, a terrible piece of legislation that would require cities to approve huge apartment and condo buildings anywhere within a half mile of a rail or bus stop, with few exceptions.

Last week we asked you to send emails to the Senate Appropriations Committee, which has the power to shelve the bill for the next year. YOU RESPONDED!!! You flooded the Committee with thousands of emails — and they listened! Two Senators contacted us specifically to say “We hear you.” Another Senator on the Committee is seeking a meeting this week with constituents to discuss the bill. Even Governor Gavin Newsom has felt compelled to weigh in to try to shore up support.

WE NEED YOU TO KEEP UP THE PRESSURE THIS WEEK!

On Friday, May 23, the California Senate Appropriations Committee will decide whether to pause or advance costly bills in a process called the Suspense File.

What is the Suspense File?
The California Senate Appropriations Committee will conduct its Suspense File Hearing to determine the fate of costly bills—without public input or debate. Bills with significant fiscal impacts—over $50,000 to the General Fund or $150,000 to a special fund—are automatically placed on this list. The committee can advance a bill or hold it, effectively pausing or stopping it until next year, which offers another chance to stop the bill.

This is our chance to stop SB 79, a bill that forces cities to allow tall residential buildings near transit without providing funding for roads, schools, or emergency services. This could raise local taxes and overwhelm communities. Tell the committee to keep SB 79 in the Suspense File.

TAKE ACTION by Thursday, May 22 at midnight:

• Email: SAPR@sen.ca.gov

• Call and leave voicemail after 6pm to Senator Anna Caballero, Chair Appropriations Committee: 916-651-4014

• Suggested message: “Please keep SB 79 in the suspense file. Oppose SB 79. This bill would force cities to allow major upzoning without providing any funding for infrastructure, fire safety, or public services. The fiscal burden will fall on already strained local budgets and taxpayers. SB 79 is a costly, unfunded mandate that deserves to be held.”

• Other members to call if your time allows:

• Megan Dahle, Dist. 1 Office No. (916) 651-4001

  Tim Grayson, Dist. 9 Office No. (916) 651-4009

  Laura Richardson, Dist. 35 Office No. (916) 651-4035