Caucus News

NAPA – Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, released the following statement today in response to a tentative $13.5 billion settlement between Pacific Gas & Electric and victims of California wildfires:

“It’s certainly a positive development that a settlement was reached,” said Sen. Dodd, who represents victims of the devastating 2017 wildfires in Napa and Sonoma counties. “But PG&E shouldn’t have taken this long to compensate victims.”

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SACRAMENTO – California Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) issued the following statement commending Governor Gavin Newsom and impacted cities and agencies throughout San Diego County for historic partnership around cross-border pollution:

SACRAMENTO ­–  State Senator Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) has lined up more supporters for his legislation to have the oil industry pay an oil severance tax in California, as it does in every other major oil producing state.  Senate Bill 246 would raise approximately $900 million per year to better fund schools and other important services in California.

As many of the world’s leaders gather in Spain at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP) 25, Wieckowski said it is time to demand more from the fossil fuel industry.

SACRAMENTO – California Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) issued the following statement regarding a Trump administration’s Rule Change for out-of-work or under-employed SNAP benefit recipients:

“Today’s announcement by the Trump Administration to cut food assistance benefits to as many as 700,000 Californians is cruel and inhumane. The proposed rule ignores the local needs of Californians and removes state flexibility currently allowed under existing law and guidance as it relates to able-bodied adults.

SACRAMENTO – California Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) issued the following statement regarding a San Mateo County Superior Court ruling exempting charter cities from the Housing Affordability Act:

San Diego, CA – November 26, 2019 – State Senator Ben Hueso (D-San Diego) kicked off the holiday season by hosting 12 turkey drive events across the 40th Senate District, providing Thanksgiving meals to approximately 700 families in need throughout San Diego and Imperial counties.

Sacramento, CA – The State of California has approved California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA) funding for Kincade Fire damages, which will result in the state covering 75 percent of many of the response and recovery costs incurred by local governments.

Sen. Steve Glazer today proposed new legislation that would help Californians deal with some of the worst effects of power outages until PG&E and other utilities can ensure that they can keep the lights on during dangerous high-wind conditions.

Glazer was joined by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, D-Orinda, local mayors, and the CEO of the San Ramon Valley Medical Center.

Fresno, CA – Health care leaders, state legislators and medical professionals from across the region gathered in Fresno on Friday to highlight two new programs that have already directed more than $110 million in state tobacco fee revenues across the state which specifically help improve access to health care in the Central Valley. With 30 percent of the statewide award going to the Central Valley, UCSF – Fresno will be receiving $2.8 million for 15 residency slots. Meanwhile, the City of Fresno is expected to receive a total of $4.4 million for 22 positions.