California lawmakers have approved AB 2222, the Community NEWS Act, which could direct more than $40 million annually to local news organizations through journalist employment tax credits.

The bill would help nonprofit and commercial newsrooms retain journalists, hire additional reporters and sustain essential coverage of schools, local government and other community issues. For small newsrooms such as La Verne Daily News, this support could help make consistent, independent local reporting more sustainable.

Local journalists attend public meetings, ask questions, explain decisions and share the stories that connect us. But producing that coverage takes time and resources. AB 2222 would make a meaningful investment in the people doing this essential work throughout California.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has until Sept. 30 to sign or veto the bill.

Here's how you can help:

• Call the Governor's office. (916) 445-2841 and ask to leave a message urging Gov. Newsom to sign AB 2222, the Community NEWS Act. 
• Submit a comment online. Visit gov.ca.gov/contact, select AB 2222 as the subject, and share a few sentences on why this bill matters to our community.

Supporting this bill means supporting informed communities—and helping ensure local news remains available for the neighbors who depend on it.

➡️ La Verne Daily News is free to read thanks to community supporters. If this work matters to you, consider becoming a supporting member. I also welcome one-time and recurring donations through Tiny News Collective (and they're tax-deductible!).