Senator George Runner
Serving the 17th District which incorporates portions of the Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Ventura and Kern counties.

Dear Friends:

At a time when the United States should be strengthening its borders and supporting immigration laws that are fair to all immigrants, one of my colleagues in the California Senate introduced a resolution last month that urges Congress and the President to relax immigration laws.

I believe we should enforce the current laws of immigration and they should apply to all those who are waiting to become American citizens — it’s the fair way to go about the process.

The same senator also introduced a resolution that essentially limits free speech by asking that the government limit language that might be construed as “hate speech.”

This opens the door to unnecessary lawsuits, as almost any differing opinion stands the chance of being interpreted as hate speech.

This measure would chill free expression of ideas in our state, particularly the voices of talk radio hosts, bloggers and other newsmakers. I vigorously opposed this idea on the Senate floor in September.

The good news is these proposals only passed in the Senate but were “held at the desk” in the Assembly. Apparently, some Democrat Assembly members had the good sense to oppose these precarious bills.

The bad news is these proposals could be re-introduced when the Legislature reconvenes next week. If you are opposed to these ideas, click here to write the Speaker of the Assembly Karen Bass to let her know your opinion.

Also, please feel free to let me know what you think of these legislative measures – or other state issues that are on your mind – at info@GeorgeRunner.com.

Sincerely,

George Runner
California’s 17th Senate District