(Ward), the Community Newsroom Employment and Workforce Sustainability Act passed the legislature and is under consideration by Governor Newsom. AB 2222 will create refundable tax credits for local California news organizations that employ full-time and part-time journalists. Beginning in 2027, eligible outlets could receive $20,000 for each of their first five qualifying full-time journalists, $15,000 for each additional full-time journalist, $7,500 for qualifying part-time journalists, and an additional $15,000 for each newly created full-time journalism position.
We need your help with the following:
Write to the Governor immediately and ask him to sign AB 2222.
Run an editorial in your paper in support of AB 2222.
Call your local legislator and ask them to contact the Governor’s Office to register their request that the Governor sign the legislation.
What should your letter communicate:
Subject: Requesting signature on AB 2222
Dear Governor Newsom:
California’s news industry has experienced drastic changes over the last 20 years with more than 40% of the newspapers no longer operating. AB 2222 is vital to the remaining news industry and its ability to keep journalists reporting on important state and community issues, local entertainment and events, and developments that promote community health and neighborhood improvements. When California communities are better informed, statistics show that crime is reduced, the community experiences stronger economic growth, and there is less government corruption.
[Insert how the tax credit will help your newspaper add journalists and help the newspaper better inform the community.]
AB 2222 is also a key element in fighting the massive amount of misinformation that is trafficked on the internet and social media. Governor Newsom, we applaud your efforts to defend the First Amendment and to develop appropriate policies to restrict harmful social media content from reaching children. We ask for your support for more professional journalists to provide the community with facts, verified information, and well-reasoned investigative reports that promote dialogue and understanding in California communities.
Please sign AB 2222 and make California the start of a new wave of professional journalism that will engage young professionals and revitalize the news industry. Thank you for your consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
Publisher X
How to send your letter to the Governor:
Email:
send your letter as an attachment to
leg.unit@gov.ca.gov
Mail: send a physical letter to:
Governor Gavin Newsom
1303 10thStreet, Suite 1173Sacramento, CA 95814
Thank you for your time and attention in urging the Governor to sign this important bill.
