Lambda Letters Project

Bills Hit a Deadline

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 22:50:46 GMT

Fourteen bills of importance to the LGBTI community were approved by their house of origin in the California legislature, four bills failed to make it out in time, and Lambda Letters opposed two of those bills. That’s a pretty good record for a once despised and powerless community. Chief Lobbyist Boyce Hinman provides a summary of how the LGBTI bills did.

Marriage Bill on the Move

Wed, 09 May 2007 05:18:04 GMT

Boyce Hinman of the Lambda Letters Project examines why it’s important to support AB 43, the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act. This bill would guarantee the California Constitution’s promise of religious freedom and extend the vital protections afforded by marriage to loving and committed same-sex couples.

LGBTI bills on the move

Tue, 03 Apr 2007 04:34:05 GMT

Boyce Hinman of the Lambda Letters Project summarizes three bills of importance to the LGBTI community that were approved by the Assembly Judiciary Committee on March 27, and asks that you call that committee in support of AB 43 allowing same-sex couples to marry in California.

Surprising heroes

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 14:35:36 GMT

Making assumptions about people sometimes causes you to overlook gold. Take Assembly Member Chuck Devore, for example. He is a conservative Republican. Last year Lambda Letters Project gave him a score of 0% on LGBTI issues. And yet, for the second time now, he has introduced legislation that would be very beneficial to the LGBTI community. Lambda Letters’ chief lobbyist, Boyce Hinman, explains the situation and why you should call the legislators of the Assembly Judiciary Committee in support of AB 250.

Needle exchange programs need help

Fri, 02 Feb 2007 05:56:58 GMT

Currently there are at least 11 publicly run clean needle and syringe exchange programs in California. Many programs receive funds from local city and county governments. However, the federal government prohibits the use of federal funds to finance clean needle and syringe exchange programs. Something must be done to provide secure, substantial funding for needle exchange programs to slow the spread of disease through needle sharing. Last year, AB 2076 would have allowed local governments to use state general funds to buy supplies for clean needle exchange programs. The bill was approved by the legislature but was never sent to the governor because he made it clear that he would veto it. This year the Assembly is trying again.

New domestic partner tax bill takes effect in 2007

Mon, 08 Jan 2007 23:53:35 GMT

SB 1827, signed by Governor Schwarzenegger in 2006 and sponsored by Equality California, changes the way that registered domestic partners in California submit their state income taxes. Registered domestic partners must file their state income taxes jointly or separately on terms similar to those governing married couples. Here are the facts currently being given by the California Franchise Tax Board.

What the November 2006 election means for the LGBTI community

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 01:31:29 GMT

Boyce Hinman of the Lambda Letters Project shares his thoughts about the results of the election on November 7, 2006. Even though the future looks hopeful, we are still going to have to work for the things we want to accomplish.

Governor Schwarzenegger let us down

Tue, 07 Nov 2006 06:03:49 GMT

Lambda Letters Project Chief Analyst Boyce Hinman reports on what California’s Governor Schwarzenegger did with the bills that were sent to him this year, which would have benefited LGBTI individuals throughout the state.

California passes landmark domestic violence law

Mon, 06 Nov 2006 06:11:04 GMT

LLP Chief Analyst Boyce Hinman reports on legislation (AB 2051) that California’s governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, signed in September 2006 to create a grant program offering financial assistance to agencies that provide domestic abuse services – such as counseling, shelters, and other services – to same-sex couples that are experiencing domestic abuse.