I introduced AB 1031 in 2017 to establish the Native California Wildlife Rehabilitation Fund. The bill allows taxpayers filing their returns to voluntarily ‘check off’ a specified amount to fund wildlife rescue programs. AB 1031 had bipartisan support and was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown. 

The Employment Development Department (EDD) has clearly not been up to the task of providing unemployment benefits to the millions of Californians thrown out of work when the COVID-19 pandemic struck

Today Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron is introducing legislation imposing deadlines on EDD claims to ensure claimants are given decisions on the outcome of their claims in a timely manner. 

On December 7th, the organizational session for the State Assembly’s 2021-2022 convened in Sacramento. But this year, things looked a lot different than normal.  Though a few bills were introduced, the Speaker and other Assembly officers were sworn in, and resolutions related to operating the House were adopted, the event was not held at the State Capitol building as usual.

SACRAMENTO – Today, Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron issued the following statement regarding Gov. Gavin Newsom's lack of information sharing and coordination with the Legislature about COVID-19 decisions: 

By Assemblymember Marie Waldron November 28 is ‘Small Business Saturday,’ a day to patronize local small businesses. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. Without them, our state and national economies will never recover.

By Assemblymember Marie Waldron  The state could owe you money. The holiday season is fast approaching and many are suffering from severe economic distress resulting from the COVID-19 shutdowns, so take a few minutes to see if you have some money coming to you. The State of California is sitting on almost $10 billion in unclaimed properties. Some of that money could be yours.

The Legislature will open on December 7th with the swearing in of all members and start the 2021-2022 session. Though a few bills are likely to introduced, the day is largely ceremonial, and the new session will begin in earnest on January 6th.

This has been a tough year for all of us. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in business shutdowns, growing unemployment and extreme economic distress, along with related public health/mental health impacts for thousands.  And now, the drawn-out election aftermath and the fast approaching holiday season will be adding to what’s already been one of the most stressful years in decades. Stress and anxiety levels are going through the roof.

California’s small businesses employ over 7 million people, and make up 95% of all businesses in this region. Most employ less than 100 workers, and businesses with 4 employees or less comprise 65% of the total, like our neighborhood grocery or restaurant. The problems I encountered running my small retail business are what first led me to run for public office.