FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Sarah Pollo Moo
Email: cra@calretailers.com
Californians Value Discounts.A Sacramento Bill Could Put Them at Risk.
Californians for Consumer Affordability Launches”Protect My Discounts” Campaign to Protect Consumer Savings and Oppose Legislation That Could Worsen theAffordability Crisis
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Over the Fourth of July weekend, millions of Californians searched for grocery ads, clipped digital coupons, loaded loyalty rewards, and compared prices as they shopped for hamburgers, hot dogs, beverages, charcoal, sunscreen, and other holiday essentials.
At a time when every dollar matters, a new coalition, Californians for Consumer Affordability, today announced the launch of its Protect My Discounts campaign to educate consumers about legislation pending in Sacramento that could put many of those saving opportunities at risk.
The campaign launches as Californians face yet another round of higher costs that took effect July 1, including another increase in the state’s gasoline tax, rising health care costs for many families and employers, and additional taxes on software products relied upon by thousands of California small businesses.
Coalition leaders say AB 2564 represents yet another policy moving California in the opposite direction of affordability.
“Families are stretching every dollar right now. The last thing they need is Sacramento making that harder,” said Rachel Michelin, spokesperson for Californians for Consumer Affordability. “Families are already dealing with higher prices almost everywhere they turn. They rely on weekly specials, digital coupons, and loyalty programs to stretch their household budgets. This is a solution looking for a problem, and it moves California in exactly the opposite direction of affordability.”
While promoted as a consumer protection bill, AB 2564 goes well beyond that goal. As currently drafted, the bill:
– Creates an overly burdensome and unworkable legal framework governing discounts and personalized offers;
– Introduces new compliance and impossible disclosure obligations for businesses;
– Creates legal uncertainty and litigation risk for retailers offering loyalty programs, digital coupons and discounts; and
– Will lead businesses to reduce or remove many of the discounts and personalized offers millions of Californians use every week.
“Everyone agrees businesses should not charge consumers higher prices based on their personal information,” Michelin said. “The problem is that AB 2564 goes well beyond that objective. California can protect consumers while also preserving the discounts and loyalty programs families count on every week.”
AB 2564 passed the Assembly and cleared the Senate policy committee. It is expected to return for further consideration by the full State Senate when the Legislature reconvenes after the summer recess, making the coming weeks critical.
“Affordability isn’t measured by speeches; it’s measured by the choices policymakers make,” Michelin said. “At a time when Californians are facing higher taxes, higher fuel costs, and higher everyday expenses, the last thing families need is legislation that could make it harder to save money. We can protect consumer privacy while preserving consumer discounts. California should do both.”
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About Californians for Consumer Affordability
Californians for Consumer Affordability is a coalition of retailers, grocers, restaurants, consumer brands, technology companies, trade associations, and other organizations committed to protecting affordability, consumer choice, and access to discounts while supporting strong consumer protections.To learn more about the campaign, visit ProtectMyDiscounts.com.
