Morning Money Memo …

Plastic bag makers want voters to throw out California's new ban on disposable bags.

Gov. Jerry Brown signed the bill into law, driven to action by pollution and waste on beaches, streets and in parks.

"We're the first to ban these bags, and we won't be the last," Brown said.

The industry group has three months to gather more than 500,000 valid signatures, the number needed to place a referendum on the November 2016 ballot. Some retailers and bag manufacturers want to make sure the law does not take effect until voters have their say.

Under the California's first statewide ban in the nation, plastic bags will be phased out at checkout counters of large grocery stores and supermarkets such as Wal-Mart and Target starting next summer, and convenience stores and pharmacies in 2016. The law does not apply to bags used for fruits, vegetables or meats, or to shopping bags used at other retailers. It allows grocers to charge a fee of at least 10 cents for using paper bags.

The law marks a major milestone for environmental groups who have successfully pushed plastic bag bans in cities across the U.S., including Chicago, Austin and Seattle.

Chrysler Revs Up

Chrysler continues its recent run of gains, saying today that its U.S. auto sales rose 19 percent last month. Strong demand for the new Jeep Cherokee and the Ram Pickup pushed up sales. Both Chrysler and GM raised incentives on pickup trucks in September, hoping to steal buyers from Ford, which cut back on discounts and temporarily closed a factory to retool for its new aluminum-clad F-150.

Deal Season

If you plan to buy a new car or truck soon, October may be a very good time to make the purchase.

"Manufacturers released their 2015 models in September," said Mark LoCastro, director of public relations at DealNews. "You can get up to 10, even 20 percent off on 2014 models in October. That's because these dealerships are trying to clear out inventory."

Cruises in October are often much cheaper than they were in the summer. And one week before Halloween, costumes may be deeply discounted.

"You can get anywhere between 30 and 80 percent off depending on where you're shopping and what you're shopping for," LoCastro said.

Marijuana Competition

Colorado's legalized marijuana industry is in for a brand-new element today - competition. The state gave medical marijuana dispensaries and growers a nine-month exclusive on the new recreational pot business, fearing an unmanageable explosion of new businesses.

The grandfathering period expires today, meaning pot shops and growers who weren't in business before voters approved recreational pot in 2012 are just now able to enter the market.

"There's going to be a price war coming. It's inevitable," predicted Toni Fox, a marijuana grower and owner of a Denver pot shop.

Colorado is issuing licenses for 46 more pot shops, in addition to about 200 already in place.

General Mills Cuts

General Mills plans to cut 700 to 800 jobs, the second time it's trimmed its work force in a month, as the food company wrestles with a shift by consumers away from boxed or frozen meals. The company has said it's begun a formal review of its North American manufacturing and distribution network, along with a pair of announcements in recent months about cost-cutting initiatives.

France Slashes Spending

France is facing the deepest spending cuts in the country's modern history. The Socialist government has announced a $26.5 billion plan, taking a significant chunk out of France's generous welfare system, including health and family benefits. The government also plans fewer state employees and limited wage increases. France's debt is equal to about 95 percent of its annual economic output.