Caucus News

Sacramento, CA – Each year, hundreds of thousands of animals enter shelters across California. Experts agree – spay and neuter programs are among the most effective methods for reducing animal homelessness and controlling the pet population.

Manhattan, New York – State Senator Anthony J.

Sacramento, CA – Highway 37 is one of the most critical commute corridors in the Bay Area. Flooding of the corridor has become an all too common occurrence and wreaks havoc throughout the region when the highway goes under water. Senator McGuire and Supervisor Arnold have been working collaboratively with transportation officials to advance both short-term and long-term fixes to Highway 37.

SACRAMENTO, CA – Gov. Gavin Newsom today signed a bill by Sen. Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) that helps individuals over the age of 55 advocate for legislative proposals and identify priorities as part of a senior citizen advocacy group. 

SB 309 would require the California Senior Citizen Advocacy Voluntary Contribution Fund to indefinitely remain on the personal income tax form.  The California Senior Legislature advocates on issues important to seniors and is primarily funded through these voluntary contributions via the income tax check-off.

Gov. Gavin Newsom today signed into law Senate Bill 44, “Ditching Dirty Diesel,” by state Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley. SB 44 will help California move away from pollution-spewing, petroleum-diesel trucks and accelerate the transition to zero emission fuels and technologies for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.

SACRAMENTO – While the federal government attempts to undo California’s continued efforts and successes on air quality, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a measure today authored by Senator Connie M. Leyva (D-Chino) that establishes ‘smog check’ requirements for heavy-duty diesel trucks in California.  Current law does not require heavy-duty vehicles to have the same types of smog checks that have been required for passenger vehicles for decades.

Sacramento, California – Senator Anthony J. Portantino’s (D – La Cañada Flintridge) education bill package of SB 328,  SB 484 and SB 695 have all passed the California State Legislature and are now headed to the Governor’s office for action.  Senator Portantino has been a PTA member for 20 years and is a long-time ardent supporter of public education.  The Senator has been dedicated to improving K-16 public education in California for his entire legislative career.

Sacramento, California– Senator Anthony J. Portantino’s (D–La Cañada Flintridge) healthcare package of SB 163, SB 445, and SB 600 has passed the legislature and will now go to the Governor’s Office.

Sacramento, CA – Senator Mike McGuire issued the following statement in response to today’s court ruling blocking California’s Presidential Tax Transparency & Accountability Act: 

“Today’s initial ruling is perplexing, premature and not necessary. We’re way out in front of any deadline required under the law and the irreparable harm argument is simply not apparent,” Senator Mike McGuire said. “I think the judge got this one wrong and a decision as important as this should not have been rushed or the law prematurely shut down.

Sacramento, CA – Senator Ben Allen (D – Santa Monica), Chair of the California State Senate's Committee on Environmental Quality, released the following statement today: