California Assembly Rejects Legislation Promoting Public-Private Partnerships


Statement of Food & Water Watch Executive Director, Wenonah Hauter

Food & Water Watch applauds the Assembly's rejection last week of a bill would have directed taxpayer money to facilitate the privatization of public infrastructure (AB 2278) and other bills that have promoted public-private partnerships in California.

Public-private partnerships have a poor record across California. While some have touted them as efficient ways to manage infrastructure, many cities including Stockton, CA have experienced substandard maintenance, skyrocketing costs, and environmental degradation. In fact, many municipalities around the country have terminated their contracts and restored public operation when public-private partnerships did not save their citizens money or result in better services.

The California legislature should enact consumer, environmental, and labor standards to protect citizens from public-private partnership contracts that are not in the public interest.

Food & Water Watch is a nonprofit consumer rights organization that challenges the corporate control and abuse of our food and water resources. Visit www.foodandwaterwatch.org

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