What To Do

Right now, there are two things we can do:

Use the resolution currently in the California State Assembly to get our representatives' backing.
Spread the word about the Corporate Power Reset.

Current Opportunity

California Senate Joint Resolution 18 (SJR 18)

Right now, there is an important Joint Resolution in the California Assembly which is of direct relevance for resetting corporate powers in California. It is called SJR 18. (i.e. Senate Joint Resolution 18, “Senate” because this is where it was proposed and “Joint” because it needs to be passed by both chambers, the Senate and the Assembly).

A joint resolution is a measure used by our State Representatives to formally express an opinion and/or make a formal request to the federal government, on a matter of federal concern.

SJR 18 would officially express California's “Legislature's strong disagreement with the decision of the United States Supreme Court in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission and encourage states to adopt policies to limit the powers of corporations to contribute to political campaigns, consistent with the United States Constitution.”

Although a resolution does not have force of law, supporting SJR 18 would greatly help a law pass: it is a great opportunity to gather support for the policy before a bill, which would have force of law, gets proposed next legislative cycle – i.e. next year. Indeed, this is precisely why SJR 18 was introduced.

It was adopted by the Senate on June 11th, and is now in the California State Assembly.

So what can we do?

We can send a message to our assembly members.

Step 1: check whether your current assembly member is already a known supporter of SJR 18.

Find out who your current assembly member is here. This should also give you a link to their personal website.

Some assembly members are already known supporters of the bill: Ash Kalra, Alex Lee, Chris Rogers, Damon Connolly, Robert Garcia, John Harabedian, Corey Jackson, Chris Ward.

Step 2: contact your assembly member.

If yours is in the list above, send them a thank you message.
If not, ask them to support SJR 18.

The simplest way to do so is to use one of their online contact forms:

either on the CA State official website: look up their name here and click on “view details” on the right to access their page on the site.
or from their personal website, which should be able to find from here.

Your message does not need to be long: what representatives really want to know is what you want them to support.

Here are a few examples of scripts for inspiration — and if you want to see the text of the resolution itself, you can find it here.

Example scripts for inspiration

Dear Assemblymember [Last Name],

As a resident of your district, I am writing to ask you to support SJR 18. This resolution puts the Legislature on record against the Citizens United decision and encourages states to limit corporate spending in our elections. A government that answers to people rather than deep pockets depends on reforms like this. I urge you to vote yes, and I thank you for your service.

I am one of your constituents, and I care deeply about keeping our democracy accountable to ordinary people. SJR 18 sends a clear message that California rejects the flood of corporate and dark money unleashed by Citizens United. Please stand with the voters you represent and support this resolution.

Writing to you as someone who lives and votes in your district: please vote yes on SJR 18. Corporate dark money should not drown out the voices of real Californians, and this resolution affirms that our state wants reform. Thank you for your leadership in protecting our elections.

As a voter you represent, I believe SJR 18 recognizes a simple truth: unlimited corporate spending in elections threatens the integrity of our democracy. By supporting it, you help affirm that corporations are not people and that our elections belong to the public. I respectfully urge your yes vote and thank you for defending fair elections.

I am one of the many people in your own district who want big money out of politics. SJR 18 is a meaningful step: it tells Congress and other states that California stands for transparency and accountability in campaign finance. Please support it on behalf of the constituents you serve.

Spread the word