Caucus News

Senator Toni Atkins

Leader Atkins Responds to Governor Newsom’s State of the State Address

February 19, 2020

SACRAMENTO – California Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) issued the following statement in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s State of the State address:

“As someone who has been working on homelessness and affordable housing issues for decades, I believe the Governor is right to stress urgency and accountability in his State of the State address. We need to get money out the door quickly, both new funding and Proposition 63 funds, but we also have to make sure the money is being spent in a timely and effective way.

Senator Melissa Hurtado

Senator Melissa Hurtado Releases Statement on the Porterville Library Fire

February 19, 2020

SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger) released the statement regarding the Porterville library fire:

“Last night, the community of Porterville experienced a fire at the local library which resulted in the loss of two brave firefighters. Today, I’m joining the southern Central Valley, Senate District – 14 and all of California in mourning with the families and those who have been impacted by this tragedy.

Senator Bill Dodd

Sen. Dodd Statement on Gov. Newsom’s State of State Address

February 19, 2020

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, issued the following statement today in response to Gov. Newsom’s inaugural State of the State address:

Senator Nancy Skinner

Sen. Nancy Skinner Introduces Bill to End Corporate Homes Being Left Vacant and Give Tenants, Cities Right of First Refusal

February 19, 2020

Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, introduced today Senate Bill 1079 to reduce the number of vacant homes in California and give tenants the right of first refusal to buy foreclosed properties. SB 1079 would also allow cities and counties to fine corporations that own multiple single-family homes for keeping housing vacant for more than 90 days and give local governments first rights on such vacant properties to use them for affordable housing.

Senator Anthony J. Portantino

Portantino Moves on Legislation Inspired by Glendale PD to Increase Reporting Obligations to Better Coordinate Efforts to Prevent School Threats

February 19, 2020

Sacramento, California State Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – La Cañada Flintridge) has introduced SB 1091 which will create a statewide process for facilitating interagency cross reporting for threats of school crimes.

Senator Bill Dodd

Sen. Dodd Introduces College Student Hunger Bill

February 19, 2020

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, announced today his new legislation to get food aid to low-income college students, ensuring the underserved population has adequate food and nutrition.

“It’s no secret that going to college is expensive, but students shouldn’t have to starve to advance their education,” said Sen. Dodd, who introduced Senate Bill 1082 late Tuesday. “Unfortunately, chronic hunger is far too common on our campuses. My bill puts food on the table for those who are struggling, helping more Californians achieve their educational and career goals.”

Senator Anthony J. Portantino

Senators Portantino and Gonzalez Introduce Clean Water Legislation to Monitor PFAS Chemical Contamination

February 18, 2020

Sacramento, California – Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D–La Cañada Flintridge) has introduced SB 1056 which will allow the state to more accurately test for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) chemicals in water.

Senator Benjamin Allen

Senator Allen Introduces Bill to Ban Forever Chemicals in Firefighting Foam in California

February 18, 2020

 

Sacramento, CA – Today Senator Allen introduced SB 1044 to ban the sale and use of dangerous chemicals found in firefighting foams. These chemicals, known as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, or 'PFAS' chemicals, do not break down once introduced into the environment—the reason that they are widely referred to as “forever chemicals.”

Senator Tom Umberg

Senator Umberg Proposes Free Library Cards for All School Children in California

February 14, 2020

(Sacramento, CA) – Today, Senator Thomas J. Umberg (D-Santa Ana) introduced Senate Bill 1025, the California Student Success Act, to automatically grant library cards to all K-12 students.  While similar efforts have been introduced in a few localities across the United States, SB 1025 is the first effort to take this initiative statewide.

Senator Susan Rubio

Senator Rubio’s Bill Assists Low-Income Households Transition to Low-Carbon Appliances

February 14, 2020

SACRAMENTO, CA – Sen. Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) today introduced Senate Bill 1035. The bill will create a targeted program, administered by the California Energy Commission, to assist low-income households who want to reduce their household carbon footprint by providing financial assistance.