Caucus News

SACRAMENTO – Dr. Richard Pan, a former UC Davis faculty member and Director of the UC Davis Pediatric Residency Program, made the following statement regarding the selection of Gary May, Ph.D. as UC Davis Chancellor:

Sacramento – The Senate Environmental Quality Committee, chaired by Senator Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont), will hear an overview Wednesday morning on how the state’s ability to set its own standards to improve air quality has enhanced public health and created economic growth for California.  Members will hear testimony from state and regional air quality executives, health officials and other experts during the hearing at the state Capitol.

SACRAMENTO – California Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) release the following statement on the flooding currently taking place across the state of California.

“The aftermath of the storms of the past two months are being seen today throughout the state. 

Today, Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) announced a ballot measure, Senate Bill 726, to create a California estate tax if Congressional Republicans and President Trump follow through on their threat to repeal the federal estate tax.

VAN NUYS – In a quest to improve the finances of thousands of struggling families and stimulate economic development in the city of San Fernando, Sen. Bob Hertzberg, D-Van Nuys, is announcing a new partnership to encourage all low-income residents to take advantage of free state and federal tax preparation services offered by accounting students from California State University, Northridge (CSUN).

Sacramento, CA – California has more children in poverty than any other state in the nation, with nearly one in four kids going hungry each day. In fact, there are more kids in poverty here in the Golden State now than there were prior to the recession. The time is right for California to broaden the reach of school meals.

Sacramento, CA – Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – La Cañada Flintridge) introduced legislation to install a sign at the Fair Oaks Avenue exit on Interstate 210 in the city of Pasadena to direct passersby to the Armenian Genocide Memorial.

“Installing a freeway sign will help direct visitors to the memorial, raise awareness about the Armenian Genocide and serve as a reminder that fighting crimes against humanity is an ongoing process and requires our continuous attention," commented Portantino.

State Senator Jerry Hill introduced bills Friday to take drivers impaired from combined use of alcohol and drugs off the road, make apartment balconies safer, and allow more community colleges to offer four-year degrees. The measures are part of a package of more than half a dozen bills that Senator Hill introduced to meet California’s deadline for new legislation.

SACRAMENTO, CA — A new bill to require that initiative petitions circulated by paid signature gatherers must clearly disclose their top 3 funders was launched with the introduction of SB 651 by Senator Ben Allen (D – Santa Monica).  SB 651 is sponsored by the California Clean Money Campaign.