Busy Week in Sacramento

Agudath Israel of California had a busy week in Sacramento, conducting numerous meetings with assemblymembers and state senators about two pieces of legislation. Assembly Bill 987, co-sponsored by Agudath Israel, would impose penalties on employers who retaliate against an employee who files a complaint regarding religious discrimination or lack of accommodation for a disability. The bill, carried by Assemblymember Marc Levine (D-San Rafael), has garnered significant support as it works its way through the Legislature. Agudath Israel also formally opposed Senate Bill 128, the proposed Physician Assisted Suicide (PAS) legislation. In a letter to the Senate Health Committee, Agudath Israel outlined why PAS is bad public policy. In addition to meeting with many legislators on both sides of the issue, Agudath Israel participated in strategy discussions with other organizations also opposing the initiative. SB 128 will surely engender great public debate over the next few months, but one issue is undisputed; Agudath Israel of California is recognized as a significant stakeholder by both the proponents and opponents of the legislation.