HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.13 Approval of Letter in Support of Constitutional Protections for Women's Reproductive RightsSTAFF REPORT
CITY COUNCIL
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Agenda Item 4.13
DATE:May 17, 2022
TO:Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM:Linda Smith, City Manager
SUBJECT:Approval of Letter in Support of Constitutional Protections for Women’s Reproductive RightsPreparedby:John Stefanski,Assistant to the City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:The City Council will consider sending a letter of support to Governor Newsom regarding constitutional protections for women’s reproductive rights.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:Approve the letter of support to Governor Newsom regarding constitutional protections for women’s reproductive rights.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:None.
DESCRIPTION:This item is in response to a May 3, 2022,Item 9 Request by the City Council to send a letter of support to Governor Newsom regarding constitutional protections for women’s reproductive rights. Earlier this month, the draft Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization was leaked to the public and revealed that Roe v. Wade could be overturned. Following this, Governor Newsom announced the State’s intent to enshrine the rights provided under Roe v. Wade in the State Constitution.On February 1, 2022, the City Council adopted the City’s 2022 Legislative Platform. The Legislative Platform guides the City’s response to potential and pending legislation, policies, programs, grant funding opportunities, ballot measures, mandates, and budgets at all levels of government. The Platform includes legislative principals and Public Policy Priorities, which identify the parameters for the City’s Legislative advocacy efforts.
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In scenarios like this, where a proposal or regulation arises and is not covered by the Legislative Platform, Staff prepares a draft letter for the City Council to review and consider prior to distribution. Attachment 1 is a draft letter in support of Governor Newsom’s planned efforts.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:None.
NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH:The City Council Agenda was posted.
ATTACHMENTS:1) Draft Letter of Support Regarding Constitutional Protections for Women’s Reproductive Rights
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May 17, 2022
Governor Gavin Newsom
1303 10th Street, Suite 1173
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE:Constitutional Protections for Women’s Reproductive Rights
Letter of Support—City of Dublin
Dear Governor Newsom,
On behalf of the City of Dublin, we write to express our support for the efforts
you are leading to ensure that the women of our state retain their reproductive
rights. With the release of the draft Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson
Women’s Health Organization, it has become clear that immediate State action
is required to protect the rights of millions of women in California.
Established rights and broader cultural norms are now in jeopardy. The
Supreme Court of the United States intends to strike down Roe v. Wade
without consideration for how revoking the precedent will diminish federalism
and the institution itself or impact the ability to access critical healthcare
services.
It is important, now more than ever, that we as a State take all necessary
precautions to safeguard these rights by enshrining them in the California State
Constitution. The City of Dublin supports you and your efforts to protect the
rights of millions of Californians and appreciates your strong leadership during
these unprecedented times.
Sincerely,
Mayor Melissa Hernandez Vice Mayor Jean Josey
Councilmember Sherry Hu Councilmember Shawn Kumagai
Councilmember Mike McCorriston
Cc:
Toni Atkins, Senate President Pro Tempore
Anthony Rendon, Assembly Speaker
Attachment 1
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