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September 21, 2004
For More Information, Contact:
Daryl Savage at (650) 688-6384
PALO ALTO– Assemblyman Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) kicked off his fourth annual “There Oughta Be A Law” contest today, following the news that Governor Schwarzenegger signed one of this year’s “There Oughta Be A Law” bills.
The new “Oughta” law requires motorists to turn on their headlights during bad weather, and is designed to increase visibility and decrease automobile accidents. The bill was proposed by two different constituents, Mary Lou Lyon of Cupertino and Evelyn Berk of Menlo Park, who had the same idea to promote driver safety. The headlight proposal was just one of 231 entries in the 2003-04 contest. “We had a record number of entries for the last contest. I hope this year we’ll see even more great ideas,” said Simitian.
Beginning today, Simitian is accepting 2004-05 “There Oughta Be A Law” contest proposals from area residents. The winner (or winners) will have their bill ideas introduced as legislation, be invited to the State Capitol to have lunch with Simitian, and also have the opportunity to testify at a committee hearing on their bill. Winners will also be given a California State flag that has been flown over the Capitol. “But most importantly,” said Simitian, “winners stand a good chance of seeing their ideas become law.”