SACRAMENTO - As issues relating to consumer protection arose for state lawmakers during the first part of the legislative session, Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) sided with consumers 100 percent of the time.

Williams, a first-term Assemblymember, had a perfect favorable rating on the Consumer Federation of California’s (CFC) 2011 Interim Consumer Scorecard for state lawmakers. The interim scorecard gives a snapshot of how lawmakers have cast votes on the floor or in committee on several key consumer protection bills prior to the end of the legislative session.

"It is an honor to be seen as lawmakers known for standing up to protect the working people of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties," Williams said. "It’s important to keep consumer’s rights and protections at the forefront of our laws as we work to rebuild our economy."

The scorecard includes bills on which the CFC had taken a position prior to the rated vote and grades lawmakers based on votes they have cast as well as non-votes. This is not the final 2011 scorecard. A comprehensive end of year scorecard will be release later this year.

Among the bills that Assemblymember Williams is noted for casting the correct vote for consumers is the Toxin-Free Infants and Toddlers Act (AB 1319), which bans the toxic chemical Bisphenol-A (BPA) from certain products. Assemblymember Williams also voted on behalf of consumers in support of Senate Bill 850, which would require health records to keep track of any information that is changed or deleted and affirms the patients right to access the information.

Contact: James Joyce III, 805.483.9808