Caucus News

Sacramento, California – Senate Bill 457, a measure introduced by Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – La Canada-Flintridge) and Senator Scott Wilk (R – Santa Clarita), passed the Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee today. SB 457 requires the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) and the State Teachers’ Retirement System (STRS) Boards of Administration to allow school districts and cities to opt out of investment vehicles issued or owned by the Republic of Turkey.

The Senate’s Energy Utilities and Communications Committee passed climate action legislation today by state Senator Josh Becker that will make it easier for owners to convert their property to electricity powered homes and buildings.

SACRAMENTO – Legislation from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, to improve access to high-speed broadband service and help close the digital divide as Californians rely more on the internet for remote work and distance learning cleared a key committee hurdle today.

“The $2 million investment announced today by San Mateo County to provide free college to 500 students is exactly the type of bold leadership we need as we emerge from the pandemic," said Senator Becker. "To me, investments like this are about improving equity and access to critical education and job training opportunities that are not readily available for all students graduating from under-resourced schools."

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) released the following statement regarding AB 80:

“California’s businesses helped get us through the COVID-19 crisis and now that we are emerging out the other side, we must ensure that they have the financial tools they need to rebound stronger than ever. I’m proud to see the Legislature deliver on the promise we made that our economic stimulus actions would include more tax relief for businesses hit hardest by the pandemic.”

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SACRAMENTO – A new state report released today finding that consuming synthetic food dyes can result in hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral problems in some children, demonstrates the need for Senate Bill 651 to require warning labels on products that contain the dyes, State Senator Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) said.

SACRAMENTO – Senator Steve Glazer, D-Contra Costa, today unveiled the Senate Constitutional Amendment 5 to strengthen the influence of students on the University of California (UC) Board of Regents by adding a second voting student member to the Board.

Currently, the UC Board of Regents is composed of 26 members, but only one voting student regent, selected by the Board, represents the students for a one-year term. A second non-voting student regent also serves on the Board.

SACRAMENTO – Senator Steve Glazer, D-Contra Costa, today unveiled the Senate Constitutional Amendment 5 to strengthen the influence of students on the University of California (UC) Board of Regents by adding a second voting student member to the Board.
Currently, the UC Board of Regents is composed of 26 members, but only one voting student regent, selected by the Board, represents the students for a one-year term. A second non-voting student regent also serves on the Board.

Sacramento, California – Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – La Canada Flintridge) announced today the establishment of the Senate Select Committee on California, Armenia, and Artsakh Mutual Trade, Art, and Cultural Exchange for the 2021-22 Legislative Session.

Sacramento, California – Senate Bill 45, a measure authored by Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – La Cañada Flintridge) that provides critical investments to help California become more resilient to climate change, passed the Senate Governance and Finance Committee today with bipartisan support.