Caucus News

(SACRAMENTO) – Today, the Senate Education Committee unanimously approved Senator Richard D. Roth’s proposed legislation to allow for a greater investment in the health and wellness of all Californians. Senate Bill 56 provides a one-time appropriation for the construction of a new University of California, Riverside (UCR) School of Medicine facility with an additional investment for ongoing support. The bill is one part of a crucial fix to address the state’s growing health care crisis.

Sacramento, CA – Transparency is a nonpartisan issue. And it’s transparency that provides the basis for accountability in Government. For the past forty years, every US President – Republicans and Democrats alike – have released their tax returns. That is, until President Trump took office.

SACRAMENTO – Legislation from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, to enhance conservation on California’s more than 76,000 farms and ranches cleared a key committee today. The bill would offer incentives and technical assistance for farmers to adopt practices that help wildlife and the environment.

“Good stewardship of California’s rural lands is crucial to the sustainability and economic vitality of our state,” Sen. Dodd said. “This bill will encourage farmers and ranchers to pursue conservation efforts, allowing people and the environment to reap the benefits.”

Sen. Mitchell was the nominee of Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins 

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Holly J. Mitchell of Los Angeles today issued the following statement after being appointed to the Los Angeles Coliseum Commission:

SACRAMENTO – California Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) issued the following statement in response to yesterday’s terrorist attack on Linwood and Al Noor Mosque worshippers in Christchurch, New Zealand:

The ripple of gun violence and the trauma it inflicts on our community are among the points Sen. Nancy Skinner and Sen. Holly J. Mitchell made in adjourning the Senate in memory of Oakland native Victor McElhaney, who was tragically killed in Mitchell's district last week.

SACRAMENTO – California Senator María Elena Durazo (D-Los Ángeles) issued the following statement in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement to impose an indefinite moratorium on carrying out the death penalty:

“I am proud of Governor Newsom for suspending a system that is discriminatory and unjust.

Sacramento, CA – At the request of State Senator Anthony J. Portantino, the California State Senate Rules Committee re-authorized the State Senate Select Committee on California, Armenia and Artsakh Mutual Trade, Art and Cultural Exchange. The Committee aims to explore innovative ways of strengthening cultural and economic ties between our great state, Armenia and Artsakh.  Senator Portantino will continue chairing the committee throughout the 2019-2020 legislative session.

SACRAMENTO ­– Yesterday, Senator Bradford honored Ms. Michelle Smith-Ballard, as the Woman of the Year for the 35th Senate District. Ms. Smith-Ballard currently serves as the Vice President of Community and Citizenship for Turner Construction Company with over 38 years of construction experience. She is responsible for the diversity outreach program on the construction of the new, state of the art Los Angeles Stadium and Entertainment District at Hollywood Park in Inglewood where she is overseeing one of the largest diversity and local hire programs in the region.