Dear CAEZ Members and Friends of CAEZ,

As you know, the Enterprise Zone program continues to come under close scrutiny in Sacramento and there are calls from Legislators and Administrators to severely limit the program or eliminate it.  We have two important allies, among many, in our fight to maintain and preserve the program; Assemblyman Manuel Perez, Chairman of the Assembly Economic Development & Jobs Committee and Senator Lou Correa, member of the Senate Business, Professions & Economic Development Committee.  

Now, more than ever, it is imperative that our state Legislators hear from Enterprise Zone businesses.  I've attached a sample letter for you to share with your EZ businesses and EZ business clients, that they can mail to Assemblyman Perez and Senator Correa (the address is the same for both).   Also encourage your businesses to address this letter to their local Assemblymember and Senator.  Nothing influences Legislators more than hearing from their constituents.   The Enterprise Zone program may be at a crossroads in Sacramento and CAEZ members and businesses need to be heard from.  If we don't fight to protect and preserve this program, no one will.

I urge you to contact at least 10 EZ businesses, asking they write letters sharing what the program has done for them.  This will produce an unprecedented number of letters from around the state and give Legislators pause as they consider a myriad of options in their state budget negotiations.  

Should you or any of your EZ businesses require assistance in the preparation of the letter, or have any questions related to contacting members of the Legislature, please email CAEZ at:  action@caez.org or call 530.830.CAEZ (2239).

Thank you for your continued support of CAEZ and the Enterprise Zone program.

Sincerely,

CRAIG JOHNSON
President
California Association of Enterprise Zones