Democrat Removed From Committee After Defying Gavin Newsom

A Democratic representative from California, Jasmeet Bains, has been removed from an Assembly committee for voting against a new law introduced by Governor Gavin Newsom, which seeks to penalize oil companies for windfall profits. Bains represents a small community in central California that contributes 70% of the state’s oil. Despite her opposition, the bill was passed, since both chambers of California’s Legislature are controlled by Democrats. The law establishes regulations and increases government oversight over oil companies, allowing for fines and penalties if they earn profits beyond state-imposed limits.

Industry experts argue that this new law might raise gas prices and won’t address the supply challenges that drive increased prices. Critics feel it could even be job-killing legislation. Assembly Republicans already labeled the law a “job-killing gas tax.” Western States Petroleum Association President Catherine Reheis-Boyd believes that the law will lead to far fewer investments, less gasoline supply, and ultimately higher costs for Californians.

Despite that, Bains remained firm in her commitment to serving her constituents and even authored a bill promoting the production of oil in California, despite awaiting a committee hearing. She was heavily supported by her constituents, enabling her to become the first South Asian woman and Sikh elected as the California State Legislature member. Bains is a family doctor appointed as a chair of the Assembly Ageing and Long-Term Care Committee, and also a member of the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee and Accountability and Administrative Review Committee.

Regarding Bains’s removal, Rendon has not commented publicly, nor has he responded to a request for comment at press time.