Global warming, a decaying infrastructure, budget problems, pollution, endangered species; these are all serious problems. In a world full of serious problems, lesser tragedies frequently go unnoticed. Like the plight of the American cheerleader. These men and women generally promote their teams for little or no pay, have no benefits, and are afforded none of the basic rights enjoyed by hourly employees. For a while it seemed as if no one would hear their choreographed cries for help. But fear not, readers, for the California Legislature has stepped in to save the day.

Assembly Bill 202 addresses the problem head on. Signed without fanfare by Governor Brown days ago, this new law states that all cheerleaders of California-based professional sports teams are deemed to be employees. As employees, they will have all the rights of California workers, including rights under the Unemployment Insurance Code, the Labor Code and the Fair Employment and Housing Act. AB 202 excludes any individual who performs acrobatics, dance or gymnastics exercises at a single game or event in a calendar year who is not otherwise affiliated with the sports team (sorry, Dancing Dan!). So spread your joy, you cultivators of unbridled enthusiasm; we got your back.

The new law becomes effective on January 1, 2016.