At 12pm on Tuesday, June 22nd, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors voted to support SB 1160, the new drivers bill that will ensure that all drivers have access to proper training and insurance.
3rd District Supervisor Gail Marshall spearheaded the issue and placed the item on the Board agenda. Marshall was joined in support of SB 1160 by Supervisors Naomi Schwartz and Susan Rose. Supervisors Joe Centeno and Joni Grey voted against endorsing SB 1160.
"The Board endorsement of SB 1160 adds momentum to the growing community support for this important legislation that will make our roads and highways safer," said Lucero Marquez, organizer with PUEBLO. "We are pleased to see that the Board recognizes the important contributions of immigrants in our community. This action will send a strong message to Governor Schwarzenegger to keep his word and pass a drivers license bill that does not discriminate."
A coalition of Santa Barbara County labor, faith, and community organizations has formed to build local support for SB 1160. The coalition includes PUEBLO, the Women's Political Committee, Democratic Central Committee, Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE), LULAC, MEChA, El Congreso, Santa Barbara County Green Party, and SEIU Local 620. SB 1160 also has support from law enforcement officials throughout the state, including the Police Chiefs of two of California's largest cities- Sacramento Chief Albert Nejeda, and Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton.
Two weeks ago, Assemblymember Hannah-Beth Jackson announced her support for SB 1160.
SB 1160 is expected to be debated before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Monday. The coalition is gathering hundreds of SB 1160 support postcards and will ask other organizations and governmental agencies to voice their support in order to put pressure on Governor Schwarzenegger.
Original: Santa Barbara County Supervisors Support Driver's License Bill