Dear Valued Member,

As you may be aware, California is in the midst of a financial crisis, and our leaders are desperately searching for ways to balance the state budget.  On February 23rd,  2009, State of California Assembly Member Mike Davis introduced a Bill (AB 402) which would require that a fee of $50.00 be submitted every time a minor applies for an entertainment work permit in the State of California.  The purpose is to create revenue to offset the current cost of permit processing through the DLSE and also to establish revenue for enforcement of the laws pertaining to child actors.

The Screen Actors Guild, who supports this bill, believes under the current structure there is an inadequate system to monitor and track the work permits issued to minors in the entertainment industry.  They state that by creating a "Work Permit Fund" to enforce regulations that protect the young actors, the bill will be creating a safer more secure work environment.  Would you agree?

Those who oppose the bill don't believe that "adding more costs to the entry process is a good idea."  They argue that the state is attempting to balance its budget by extorting funds from the children and families coming to California with dreams of stardom and financial success. Additionally they believe the bill does not adequately outline how the funds will be administered.  What do you think?

This bill has been quietly pushing forward, and unless you follow politics extensively, chances are you wouldn't even know this was happening until after the bill had already become law.  If you have a strong opinion about this matter, it's not entirely too late to become involved.  Whether you agree with or oppose this bill, at Children In Film we believe that you, the affected, should have an opportunity to review the proposed law and have your opinion heard before it is enacted.

If you would like to make a statement, please write your California State Assembly Members, the Appropriations Committee and the bill's consultant Chuck Nicol and let them know how you feel about this issue NOW, before it's too late.  This bill is currently being held in suspense with the Appropriations Committee until May 28th when it will then be heard and voted on.  If the bill passes the Appropriations Committee, it will go to the Senate floor for a final vote.  You need to become involved and act fast if  you want your opinion heard.  Here are a few emails, a phone number and a fax to get you started.

At Children In Film, our mission is to inform and connect you.  This is because we believe that our collective opinion, together, as a community should outweigh the opinion of any one individual or lobbyist group.  Our members consist of producers, teachers, parents, agents, managers, casting directors, both union and non-union members, and many others involved in the entertainment community...all with varying opinions on this matter.  No matter what your point of view, the outcome of this bill affects us all.


If you would like to discuss the pros and cons of this bill in our forum, please join the debate by logging in.

Sincerely,
Toni Casala
President