Caucus News

SACRAMENTO – The Legislature has approved a bill from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that will address the growing problem of college student food insecurity by ensuring low-income students have reliable access to nutritious food through the Cal Fresh program.

“Students shouldn’t have to starve in order to get an education,” Sen. Dodd said. “My bill will ensure students of modest means don’t go hungry by making it easier for them to receive public assistance. Food insecurity is a serious problem on California college campuses today and this is an important step to addressing it.”

SACRAMENTO – Legislation authored by Senator Connie M. Leyva (D-Chino) that will establish ‘smog check’ requirements for heavy-duty diesel trucks in California passed from the Assembly Natural Resources Committee.  Unlike how personal passenger vehicles have done for decades, current law does not require heavy-duty trucks to undergo regular smog checks.

SACRAMENTO – Senate Majority Leader Bob Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys) released the following statement today in response to AB 1054 passing on the Senate Floor:

“It is so important that the Senate approved this measure, because at this critical juncture, the cost of doing nothing is simply too high. AB 1054 intelligently balances the interests of fire victims, ratepayers, utilities, and our natural environment. It strengthens the foundations of an energy system that works for all Californians, while ensuring our resilience against whatever perils may come.”

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) issued the following statement on today’s passage of AB 1054 on wildfires:

“I am proud that the Senate has passed AB 1054. I want to thank my colleagues in the Senate, in particular Senators Dodd, Hertzberg and Hueso, for the tireless effort to see this important issue through.

SACRAMENTO –Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, made the following statement today in response to Senate committee approval of major wildfire prevention and safety legislation proposed by Gov. Gavin Newsom and Capitol colleagues that helps compensate fire survivors, prevents future infernos and protects utility ratepayers from unfair increases:

The utilities, state agencies and law enforcement units that together are tackling connectivity challenges in San Mateo County’s coastal communities say they have taken important strides forward – to the delight of state and local leaders who had urged formation of the work group.

The cost of diapers is taxing on vulnerable young families, especially those dealing with poverty. Diaper Banks are beginning to emerge in progressive communities to help address that need.  Outside of food requests, diapers are probably another one of the biggest requests Food Banks receive.  Last year, four Food Banks in California successfully received State funding to establish Diaper Banks in their communities.

SACRAMENTO – With strong bipartisan support, the California Senate today passed SR 47, authored by Senator Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) to urge Congress to ratify the Basel Convention, an international treaty that places protocols on international waste.

SACRAMENTO – A pair of bills from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that will improve the quality of life for Napa County residents by addressing the housing shortage and also by providing greater outdoor recreation options each cleared key legislative hurdles today.

“Napa desperately needs affordable and market-rate housing to help address our workforce needs and reduce commute traffic,” Sen. Dodd said. “This bill will allow the city and county to work together to get critically needed housing built.”

SACRAMENTO – The Senate Environmental Quality Committee today approved Senate Resolution 47 by Senator Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) with bipartisan support to urge the United States to ratify the Basel Convention, an international treaty to reduce the movement of hazardous waste and mixed plastic waste.