Opposition to AB 1998 Increasing in Final Days of Session

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With all of these issues in California impacting the African American community, AB 1998 does not take into consideration the impact a few extra cents per bag of groceries at every visit will make to a struggling family

Sacramento, CA (PRWEB) August 26, 2010

More than 500 grocers, retailers, businesses and non-profit organizations throughout the state are urging legislators to vote NO on AB 1998, the so-called “bag ban bill.” This week, the California State Conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People issued a Floor Alert urging state Senators to vote against the bill.

“The California State Conference of the NAACP believes that AB 1998 is well intended; however, we feel that AB 1998 is not practical in many “take-the-groceries-home-scenarios,” and serves as a hidden tax on consumers at the checkout stand,” says the Floor Alert issued August 25.

The California State Conference of the NAACP joins the Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, San Diego Urban Economic Corporation and dozens of small grocers and retailers across the state to oppose the legislation. These organizations believe that hidden taxes pose an undue burden on businesses and consumers. High unemployment, foreclosures and increasing bankruptcies are impacting families across the state. Many feel AB 1998 will add additional hardship.

“With all of these issues in California impacting the African American community, AB 1998 does not take into consideration the impact a few extra cents per bag of groceries at every visit will make to a struggling family,” according to the State Conference floor alert.

AB 1998 has been referred to the Senate Rules Committee where it awaits action.

The growing list of those opposing AB 1998 includes more than 500 businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout California, including:

•     California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce
•     California State Conference of the NAACP
•     California Manufacturers & Technology Association
•     Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
•     Corona Chamber of Commerce
•     Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Silicon Valley
•     Black Business Association
•     Carson Black Chamber of Commerce
•     California Film Extruders & Converters Association
•     Californians for Extended Producer Responsibility
•     Silicon Valley Black Chamber of Commerce
•     Long Beach Black Chamber of Commerce
•     Moreno Valley Black Chamber of Commerce
•     Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce
•     Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, (Long Beach)
•     Downey Chamber of Commerce
•     San Diego Urban Economic Corporation
•     Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Alameda County
•     Central California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Fresno
•     Los Angeles Metro Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
•     South Bay Latino Chamber of Commerce, Los Angeles
•     Cambodian Chamber of Commerce, Long Beach
•     Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Orange County
•     Inland Empire Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
•     California Coalition of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce, Los Angeles
•     American Chemistry Council

For a full list of those opposed to AB 1998 and more information about AB 1998, visit http://www.stopthebagpolice.com. Visitors are also invited to sign up to receive updates.

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