I participated by listening to the live stream of the Appropriations Committee over the internet. It’s like before horror films there was radio! It was full of all the same “suspense” but with baited breath, you get to imagine all the scenes without seeing the smiles, winks, nods, and of course the lobbyists pouring in money (but even with strong disclosure laws, few ever really see that.).
I wish I could have been there nonetheless to voice my support for AB 583 to save the world from the unfair influence of money in our democratic system! It’s our government’s own “global warming”.
So it was very heartening to learn the weight that Mr. Leno has to wield in bringing this bill out of suspense.
The chairperson was clearly very positive and excited about AB 583. And seemed to suggest that it would be continuing to have a life (I guess as far as he can help). So I’m betting we’ll be seeing more of AB 583, Clean Money, Fairer Elections, Full Public Financing of Elections really soon. It’s time has come for sure.
Hopefully along with Nunez, Leno, and Hancock, maybe Governor Schwarzenegger can also join in, giving the bill the momentum it needs to get to his desk and into law!