NewsGuild-CWA Instrumental in Pro-Journalist Bill Becoming Law

Yesterday, California members of the NewsGuild-CWA learned that California Governor Gavin Newsom had signed a bill into law that would create tax credits to support journalism jobs in the state. NewsGuild-CWA members, in partnership with other organizations as part of the Rebuild Local News coalition, maintained pressure on the governor to support the Community Newsroom Employment and Workforce Sustainability Act (Community NEWS Act).

The law creates job retention credits of up to $20,000 each year for every employed journalist and creates a $15,000 credit for every new journalist hired. Part-time journalist positions are supported with $7,500 credits. The new law follows similar legislation passed by New York and Illinois two years ago.

“I’m proud that my old home state of California will actively support journalism jobs,” said NewsGuild-CWA President Jon Schleuss. “Journalism is facing an extinction-level event, and the only way to reverse course is to create tax credits to support journalism jobs. This law is a model for every other state and the federal government.”

Click here to learn more about this First Amendment victory.