Sacramento – Taking action to potentially save nearly 30,000 jobs that could be impacted by the potential closure of the New United Motor Manufacturing Plant (NUMMI) in Fremont, Assemblyman Ted Gaines (R-Roseville) has joined Democrats and Republicans in co-authoring two bipartisan bills that were introduced to help California’s struggling auto industry and keep the last remaining auto factory in the state open for business.
‘California’s auto industry is an important part of our state’s economy, providing jobs for thousands of highly-skilled workers and providing a significant boost to local economies throughout the state,’ said Gaines, the chair of the California Legislative Automotive Study Group. ‘Last week, I joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in touring the NUMMI plant in Fremont, the last auto plant in the state that is now under real threat of closure. We cannot allow this to happen. The Legislature must do whatever we can to keep auto manufacturing thriving here as it is an important part of the economic engine of California.’
Gaines has co-authored Assembly Bill 4X 31 with Assembly Majority Leader Alberto Torrico (D-Fremont), which will establish a sales and use tax exemption for machinery and equipment, including component parts used in the automobile manufacturing process. California is one of only three states in the nation that does not have an exemption or credit for manufacturing equipment purchases.
Additionally, he has co-authored Senate Bill 830 with Senator Rod Wright (D-Inglewood), which will declare the NUMMI plant its own enterprise zone, providing the incentives and relief associated with enterprise zones needed to secure the plant’s workforce.
‘We believe the plant is a public good,’ said Wright, ‘the fact that we could lose our last car manufacturing facility is unconscionable.’
Members of the California Legislative Automotive Study Group, led by Assemblyman Gaines, toured the NUMMI facility last week and witnessed first hand the impact on the state’s economy.
‘The high cost of doing business in our state has resulted in Toyota considering closing the last auto factory in California because they can’t afford to do business here while staying competitive,’ said Gaines. ‘That’s why these measures are so important to lower the costs of doing business in our state and provide incentives for car manufacturers to keep building the cars of the future in California and protect the jobs of thousands of workers.’
Assemblyman Ted Gaines represents the 4th Assembly District, which includes portions of Placer, El Dorado, Sacramento & Alpine counties.