Caucus News

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.

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, 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. 

California’s support of child care, care providers and working parents will be unparalleled,” said Senator Josh Becker of the bill the Legislature is sending to Governor Newsom to expand child care, reform child care rates and improve facilities across the state. “I am so proud to be a member of the Legislature that is making these historic investments possible,” said Senator Becker, D-Peninsula. “To quote early childhood care and education advocate Scott Moore, ‘Simply put, this legislation will make California the best state in the nation to raise a child.’

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, today lauded the Legislature’s passage of its omnibus health bill, which invests in major new initiatives including his proposal to ensure low-income people with disabilities have access to rehabilitative services and equipment such as specially fitted wheelchairs.

Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) has appointed Dr. William T. Armaline to the Racial and Identity Profiling Advisory (RIPA) Board. The President pro Tempore appointed Dr. Armaline to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of the last member.

SACRAMENTO – Senator Connie M. Leyva (D-Chino) released the following statement after the California State Senate passed trailer bill legislation related to child care rate reform: