Caucus News

SACRAMENTO – Senator Connie M. Leyva (D-Chino) released the following statement in response to the shocking USA Today story recently published regarding California State University (CSU) Chancellor Joseph I. Castro:

SACRAMENTO: Senator Anna M. Caballero (D-Merced) announced her appointment as Chair of the Senate Governance and Finance Committee. The Committee exercises oversight on bills relating to the Board of Equalization, enterprise zones, vehicle license fees and taxes (estate, income, sales, property, and insurance).

HAYWARD – A 76-unit senior housing project in Hayward is receiving $41.2 million from the California Housing Accelerator program, Governor Gavin Newsom announced last night.

The Mission Paradise project is being developed by EAH Housing. It is located at 28000 Mission Boulevard and is geared toward low-income seniors, with 15 units set aside for homeless and seriously mentally ill households.

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, announced legislation today that would enhance wildfire prevention in California through implementation of a $20 million prescribed fire claims fund.

“We know fighting fire with fire is one of the most effective means of prevention, which is why I wrote the law to encourage greater use of this wildfire prevention technique last year,” Sen. Dodd said. “This new proposal continues our efforts to encourage greater use of prescribed fire by ensuring those who practice this time-tested technique can have some protection from any unintended costs.”

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) and Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber (D-San Diego) today released the following statement on the California State Auditor’s report regarding the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and in-custody deaths:

Senator Becker’s SB 917 would create a more seamless integrated Bay Area transit system that works better for riders and ultimately draws more members of the public back onto transit. “We must act quickly to entice riders back to public transit—and put the rider experience front and center,” said Senator Becker. The bill requires transit agencies in the region to work together to develop an integrated transit fare structure, develop a single regional transit map and standardized wayfinding system, and more.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Richard Stapler, Richard.Stapler@sen.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO – Today, Senate Bill 418, authored by State Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) was approved by members of the State Senate with a bipartisan floor vote of 34 – 0.  SB 418 will preserve access to healthcare service for Pajaro Valley residents by forming a healthcare district and allowing the return to public ownership of Watsonville Community Hospital.

SACRAMENTO – The Senate Rules Committee, chaired by Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), reappointed Robert Gleason and Wendy Greuel to the California Film Commission today.

SACRAMENTO – The Senate Rules Committee, chaired by Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), appointed former Senator Anthony Cannella to the Little Hoover Commission.

“The Little Hoover Commission strives to make government policy-making more accessible and bipartisan, and Anthony Cannella has shown time and time again that he is committed to that goal, and to building bridges that improve the lives of Californians,” Pro Tem Atkins said. “I have no doubt that Anthony will work tirelessly to continue this mission.”

SACRAMENTO – Three state senators have introduced legislation to bolster the free press that is one of the pillars of American democracy.
The bill, SB 911, by Sen. Steve Glazer, D-Contra Costa and principal co-authors Sens. Ben Allen, D-Santa Monica and Josh Newman, D-Fullerton, would provide state grants to individuals and organizations to help them cover issues of importance to their communities.