Caucus News

SAN FRANCISCO - Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) announced that he obtained $2 million in the State’s budget for Mission Food Hub and Meals on Wheels San Francisco, along with funding and changes in the law to revamp the Calfresh application process to make it easier and more accessible for seniors and those with disabilities. Representatives from both Mission Food Hub and Meals on Wheels San Francisco joined Senator Wiener to reiterate the importance of these investments and the continuing community need for food access.

Sacramento, Calif. – On July 20th, 2021 Senator Lena A. Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) and Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters) joined Governor Newsom for the signing of the historic $6 billion broadband infrastructure investment legislation, Assembly Bill (AB) 156, which will provide much needed funds for the deployment of 21st century high-speed broadband infrastructure to help close the digital divide and meet the connectivity needs for more California businesses, individuals, and families.

SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger) released the following statement on Governor Newsom’s visit to the Central Valley to announce California’s plan to bridge the digital divide:

On Friday, California’s Third District Court of Appeal overturned a key protection of SB 219 — a bill authored by Senator Scott Wiener in 2017 — stating in the decision that the law requiring staff members of long-term care facilities to use a facility resident’s correct name and pronouns is a violation of the staff’s First Amendment rights to free speech, free exercise of religion, and freedoms of thought and belief.

(Sacramento, CA) – In response to news that U.S. Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Georgia) and Matthew Gaetz (R-Florida) were hoping to bring their “America First” rally and campaign to Orange County, Senator Umberg issued the following statement:

Inspired by the Peninsula city of Belmont, a bill by Senator Josh Becker that enables cities to team up on state-funded road projects was signed today by Governor Gavin Newsom. “Sometimes one change can make a powerful difference,” said Senator Becker, a member of the Senate Transportation Committee. “I’m grateful for the support of Governor Newsom and the bipartisan support of Legislative colleagues. They recognize what this will mean for cities and counties across our state – particularly smaller cities – when maintaining and repairing roads that link their communities.”

Sacramento: Senator Anna M. Caballero (D-Salinas) is pleased to announce that the first of her bills to pass through the legislature and to be signed by Governor Newsom, is SB 347 The California Community and Neighborhood Tree Fund. SB 347 creates a voluntary contribution on the state income tax to help provide a consistent source of funding to CalFire’s Urban and Community Forestry program, with a special focus on small, urbanized communities that struggle with the long-term care and maintenance costs of tree planting programs.

SACRAMENTO – Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) announced today that the 2021-22 state budget includes $3 million to help the historic Covina Center for the Performing Arts continue its mission after a devastating year.  

Sacramento, Calif. – On July 15th, 2021 Senator Lena A. Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) and Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters) shared the following statements commending the passage of a major broadband budget bill, SB 156, which allocates $6 billion in funds for broadband infrastructure projects. The bill will provide much needed investments and compliment further legislation that seeks to increase access to high-speed, affordable broadband for Californians.  

Sacramento, California – Senate Bill 144, authored by Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – La Canada Flintridge), passed both houses of the Legislature today.  The bill includes $330 million dollars in film and television production tax incentives in the State Budget.  The tax credit breakdown falls into two categories: a $180 million increase to the current tax incentive program and $150 million for a new incentive tied to the construction of sound stages.