Caucus News

Senator Dave Cortese

Senator Cortese and Supervisor Chavez Initiate Audit Request on State Funding for San Jose’s Homeless Population

November 7, 2022

After encouragement from Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez during a tour of the Columbus Park encampment in San Jose, Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) is requesting that the State Auditor conduct a review of San Jose’s use of state and federal funds to combat homelessness.

Senator Henry Stern

With Governor’s Signature, Ryan’s Law Becomes Reality

November 4, 2022

Sacramento, CA- SB 1472- Ryan’s law, set to take effect January 1, 2023, will give more tools to prosecutors who seek justice for deaths caused by egregiously hazardous driving. This legal change, named after Ryan Koeppel, an Encino teenager killed by a repeat extreme speeder, adds speeding 100+ mph, street racing, and participating in a side show to the definition of gross negligence. Thereby increasing the penalties for fatalities caused by these activities and forcing District Attorneys across the state to recognize the seriousness of these crimes.

Senator Henry Stern

Senator Henry Stern Applauds the Governor’s Appointments

October 31, 2022

Sacramento, CA – Governor Newsom announced appointments to the Governor’s Council on
Holocaust and Genocide Education (Council). The Council was created when evidence showing
a lack of knowledge about the Holocaust and other recent genocides among California students
came to light. The Council will focus on education about the Holocaust and genocides with a
particular emphasis on the public school system.
“I look forward to working with all of the new Governor's appointees. As Co-Chair of this

Senator Anthony J. Portantino

Senator Portantino Unveils $850,000 Funding for SGV Mobile Mental Health and Homelessness Crisis Response Effort

October 28, 2022

South Pasadena, CA -  This week Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank) joined local elected officials from the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG), Arcadia, Montebello, San Marino, and South Pasadena to announce the launch of the San Gabriel Valley Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement (SGV CARE) program. During the press conference, Senator Portantino announced $850,000 in new funding that he secured from the 2022-2023 state budget for the mobile crisis response pilot program.

Senator Anthony J. Portantino

Senator Portantino Secures $150K for SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition

October 28, 2022

Sacramento, CA - State Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank) was proud to announce that his budget request of $150,000 for the SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition was approved in the 2022-2023 State Budget.  The funds will support services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

Bob Wieckowski

Please Join Senator Wieckowski for a Cash for College Workshop

October 27, 2022

I hope you can join me, Assemblymember Alex Lee, California Student Opportunity and Access Program San Jose (Cal-SOAP), and the California Student Aid Commission for a Cash for College Webinar! Learn how to get started with FAFSA and Dream Act Applications and get step-by-step instructions to apply for CA Financial Aid and Grants.
 

Senator Bill Dodd

Attorney General Bonta, Sen. Dodd to Highlight New Guidance on Water & Utility Shutoffs

October 26, 2022

OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, will hold a virtual press conference 10 a.m. TODAY to highlight new guidance to help protect California residents facing water and utility shutoffs.

WHO: California Attorney General Rob Bonta; California State Sen. Bill Dodd 

WHEN: TODAY, 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022

Senator Henry Stern

Senator Henry Stern’s Statement on Alarming Levels of Benzene Leaking In Homes Across California

October 24, 2022

Sacramento, CA – A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology from researchers at
PSE Healthy Energy found that the gas that is piped into California homes for heating and cooking
contains elevated levels of benzene and other hazardous pollutants. Low-level gas leaks from kitchen
stoves alone can create benzene levels in homes comparable to living with a smoker.
Homes in almost every region of California — Greater Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area,

Senator Anthony J. Portantino

Universities Honor Senator Anthony Portantino as Policymaker of the Year

October 24, 2022

Sacramento, California – Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank) was named the 2022 Policymaker of the Year by the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU).   Senator Portantino received the honor during AICCU’s Annual Meeting.  He was recognized for his dedication and leadership to ensure that California’s diverse student population has access to affordable higher education.

Senator Lena A. Gonzalez

In Long Beach, Senator Gonzalez Presents $1.2 Million in Funds to Revitalize the Wrigley Greenbelt

October 22, 2022

Long Beach, Calif. – On October 22, 2022 Senator Lena A. Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) presented $1.2 million in funds for the revitalization of the Wrigley Greenbelt. The funds will help renovate greenspace to improve air quality and better serve local residents as a place for recreation, exercise and more.