Legislative Update
In the past month I have taken 252 votes on the floor, 177 votes in committees, and made 24 bill presentations. These bills reflected some of my top priorities of addressing our housing crisis, protecting our schools and places of worship from violent threats, and expanding mental health services for our California firefighters. Unfortunately, two of my bills, AB 1280 and AB 928, did not make it out of committee hearings and will be on hold until next year. Both of these bills would have helped sexually exploited children and I remain committed to fighting for all victims of sexual and intrapersonal violence.
May is another important and busy month for the Legislature. Governor Newsom will release his revised proposed budget this month, and by midnight on May 31st all bills must pass the house they were introduced in or otherwise be inactive for the year. As the legislative process continues, please share your thoughts on issues that are important to you by calling one of my district offices or contacting me through my website.
Celebrating Special Olympics Athletes and Programs
I was proud to pass a resolution proclaiming April 8, 2019 as Special Olympics Day in California. Special Olympics is the world's largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, providing year-round training, competitions, and an environment where every can feel included, capable, and celebrated for who they are. In this week's edition of The Pioneer, I wrote about advocating for $3 million in the state's budget to support Special Olympics athletes and how these programs benefit everyone in our community, which you can read here.
Sensory-Friendly Movie Screenings
Attending a movie theater with family is the idea of a perfect afternoon for many Californians and now, theaters around the country are ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the movies by offering "Sensory Friendly Screenings" as a special opportunity for individuals on the autism spectrum to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting setting. I was proud to author ACR 59 to encourage theaters to host these special screenings and to partner with Brenden Theatres in Concord to host a free sensory screening. I will be partnering with more theaters in the district to host screenings, so make sure you are following me on Facebook to ensure you don't miss out on these great events!
Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Every day, at least nine Americans die and 100 are injured in distracted driving crashes. To read or type the average text takes 4.6 seconds. Just three seconds of texting while driving at 65 mph is equal to driving 100 yards, the length of a football field, blindfolded. I was proud to co-author ACR 77 to recognize April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month in California and hope you will join me in pledging to put away phones when behind the wheel and #JustDrive.
Earth Day
Earth Day is the perfect opportunity to get outside, enjoy some of our wonderful local parks, and join a volunteer clean-up. In celebration this year, I was thrilled to host a Free Shade Tree Giveaway. Thank you to everyone who came by to discuss legislation to keep our state green and to pick up a silver maple sapling to plant!
Vallejo's Jesse Bethel High School
Some of my greatest days at the Capitol are ones where I am able to welcome students from the district onto the Assembly Floor! I was thrilled to have been joined by future leaders at Jesse Bethel High School and to be able to show them where the Legislature votes on bills.
American Red Cross "Sound the Alarm"
It was wonderful to join the American Red Cross Bay Area for their Sound the Alarm Kick Off event in Contra Costa. Until May 12 the Red Cross will be working to save lives and #EndHomeFires by installing 100,000 smoke alarms in 100 communities across the country. You can learn more and join the movement here.
Please Stay Connected with Me
As your Assemblymember, I am here to help and represent you. My staff in the Capitol and District Offices can help you learn more about the legislative process and navigate state agencies, such as the California Department of Motor Vehicles or Employment Development Department. My website is a great resource to stay up to date on my bills, events I'm hosting, and to learn how my office might be able to assist you.