On Wednesday, the Joint Legislative Audit Committee (JLAC) approved by a bipartisan vote an audit request by Senator Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside) of the Riverside Unified School District (RUSD) STEM Education Center (STEM Center). The California State Auditor will now proceed with the months-long audit.

Senator Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena) issued the following statement on federal immigration enforcement actions taken this morning in Pasadena

More than 30 members of the California Legislature signed a letter this week, calling on members of the CA GOP Congressional delegation to urge President Trump to end the immigration crackdowns, as they are harming the state’s economy.

Senator María Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles) issued the following statement regarding today’s Supreme Court decision in United States v. Skrmetti.

SACRAMENTO – The Supreme Court voted 6-3 to uphold Tennessee’s ban on gender affirming healthcare for transgender youth. The decision protects many efforts by Trump and Republican lawmakers in others states to restrict access to gender affirming care. Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) issued the following statement in response:

SACRAMENTO –Senator Steve Padilla (D-San Diego) released the following statement today following the ruling in United States v. Skrmetti upholding state laws that deny gender-affirming care for minors:

SACRAMENTO – Today the Pink Triangle atop San Francisco’s Twin Peaks was vandalized. SFPD arrested a suspect in connection with the case. Senator Wiener issued the following statement in response:

SACRAMENTO – San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced her office will bring hate crime charges in the case of an assault that occurred in San Francisco Friday morning. Senator Wiener issued the following statement in response:

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire (D-North Coast) and Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones (R-San Diego) issued the following statement condemning the horrific political violence in Minnesota:
“The shocking and tragic assassination and targeted political violence in Minnesota are sickening. Our hearts go out to Speaker Hortman and Senator Hoffman's families, the communities they proudly represent, and all Minnesotans. 

SACRAMENTO – Shortly after the California State Senate convened this morning, the Democratic Caucus, led by Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire (D-North Coast), walked onto the State Capitol’s West Steps – the cornerstone of our state’s democracy – to stand against the authoritarian siege of our state by President Trump and federal forces.
“Today the Senate stands on the steps of democracy, here in California – the west steps of the Golden State’s Capitol – to say, ‘Enough is enough.’