SACRAMENTO – On the final day of the 2019-20 Regular Session of the Legislature, 19 Legislative Republicans have submitted a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom requesting that he call an Extraordinary Session of the Legislature as soon as possible so that the Legislature may continue meeting until its adjournment sine die on November 30, 2020. The purpose of this session would be to address critical policy issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, provide oversight and assistance to the Executive Branch, and be a co-equal partner in decisions impacting the lives of 40 million Californians.
“With Californians facing unprecedented hardships, including school closures, business restrictions, and the continuing public health challenges of COVID-19, the Legislature cannot simply go home for the year,” said Assemblyman Kevin Kiley.
This year the Assembly adjourned on March 16, 2020 and did not return until May 4, 2020. It did not reconvene as an entire body on the Assembly Floor until June 8, 2020, a period of nearly three months. It then adjourned again on June 18, 2020 for an additional month. All in all the Legislative Session was cut short by nine weeks, a 30 percent reduction to the traditional legislative calendar.
“Many proposals were introduced this year to help the people of California, but were refused a hearing using the shortened session as an excuse,” Kiley said. “This not only undermined the democratic process of our institution, it also robbed countless Californians of critical relief in a time of historic need.”
The letter requests that the Extraordinary Session of the Legislature be called to address the following issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic:
- Tax and regulatory relief for small businesses, as well as a comprehensive reopening policy with clear metrics and reliable expectations
- Definitive guidance for the safe reopening of schools including safety protocols, precise metrics, and liability protection
- Significant reform of labor laws to allow flexibility for all types of workers
- A full audit of the Employment Development Department to ensure Californians will get the benefits they desperately need
- Oversight of the Executive Branch’s handling of the pandemic and economic recovery
- Updates to the Emergency Services Act
Assemblyman Kevin Kiley represents the 6th Assembly District, which includes the Sacramento, Placer, and El Dorado County communities of Cameron Park, El Dorado Hills, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Granite Bay, Lincoln, Loomis, Orangevale, Penryn, Rocklin, Roseville, and Sheridan.
