Assemblyman Jose Solorio wants to force insurance companies in California to buy services from minority owned businesses. He sent out a press release today announcing that “AB 53, authored by State Assemblyman Jose Solorio (D-Anaheim), has passed the Legislature and awaits the Governor’s signature. The legislation would encourage California’s insurance industry to consider diversity when entering into procurement contracts.”

The release also indicated that “Specifically, AB 53 requires major California insurers to file a report with the Insurance Commissioner regarding their outreach and procurement practices involving businesses owned by women, minorities, and disabled veterans.”

Shouldn’t businesses be allowed to make business decisions based on which vendors offer the best services at the best values? And didn’t Solorio himself back a white candidate to replace him in the 69th Assembly District in the June primary?

Let’s consider that primary race. Solorio represents the most Latino legislative district in Orange County. He endorsed two candidates – Orange County Clerk-Recorder Tom Daly, who today was accused by several anonymous women of committing sexual harassment in the workplace; and Santa Ana Council Member Michele Martinez. Solorio posed for pictures with Martinez but on Election Night he was at Daly’s campaign party.

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